HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole June 21 20161 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Special Committee of the Whole
3
4 June 21, 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, Satpal Sidhu, Carl Weimer, Todd Donovan, and Barry
16 Buchanan.
17 Absent: Ken Mann and Rud Browne
18
19
20 PUBLIC COMMENT
21
22 1. AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON THE
23 FOLLOWING WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS:
24 . CHAPTER 2, LAND USE (AB2016 -0478)
25 . CHAPTERS, UTILITIES (AB2016 -047E)
26 • CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION (AB2016 -047F)
27 • CHAPTERS, RESOURCE LANDS (AB2016 -047H)
28 • CHAPTER 10, DESIGN (AB2016 -0477)
29 . CHAPTER 11, ENVIRONMENT (AB2016 -047K)
30 . APPENDIX G, TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE BACKGROUND
31 INFORMATION (AB2016 -047L)
32
33 Jack Petree submitted and read from his testimony (on file) regarding designated
34 lands of long -term commercial significance, no Birch Bay and Columbia Valley city -level
35 updates, development not within planning horizons, park land zoned commercial forestry, no
36 affordable housing component, mandated countywide planning policies, and making the
37 County Comprehensive Plan consistent with City comprehensive plans.
38
39 Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, stated lands designated
40 agriculture and forestry on the map are long -term commercial forestry lands, subarea plans
41 will need to be updated, City and County plans have to be consistent, and they are working
42 together.
43
44 Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, stated it's the County's job, not the Cities', to
45 establish urban growth areas (UGAs).
46
47 Barry Wenger stated make sure the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the
48 shoreline master plan. Use the correct terms that have been vetted by court cases. Support
49 recommendations from the Wildlife Advisory Committee, Sustainable Connections, and
50 Environmental Work Group. Change Code language to allow permits to sunset.
51
52 Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association, stated don't do away with vesting. The
53 County must protect private property rights and environmental rights equally. Define
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 1
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"aquatic" in the new aquatic lands section, which shouldn't be in the resources section. The
resources section is supposed to be for resources necessary to support industry. Rather than
trying to limit complaints about agricultural activity, emphasize the right -to -farm laws.
Pam Borso referenced the ReSources handout from Karlee Deatherage regarding
water sufficient to support the viability of the local agricultural industry and instream use.
Add policies about creating a baseline inventory for habitat conservation areas and wetlands.
Make sure there is no net -loss of wetlands. Monitor mitigation results.
Carole Perry stated this process is too complex. Make the Planning Unit the planning
commission of water.
Karlee Deatherage, Resources for Sustainable Communities, submitted and read from
a letter (on file) and suggested several changes.
Dannon Traxler, Farm Bureau Representative, stated she retracts an earlier
suggestion regarding buffers required on all new non - agricultural uses on land located
adjacent to agricultural activities. Also, Appendix G is very difficult to understand. It must
be simplified and streamlined.
Max Perry stated consider that weather changes naturally when working on the
environmental section.
Pam Brady, BP Cherry Point Refinery, discussed concerns about new policy 2CC -12
regarding the Magnuson amendment. Don't incorporate the amendment into the
Comprehensive Plan. Don't create a competitive disadvantage in the industry.
Wendy Harris stated the environment chapter must consider candidate and monitored
species in addition to endangered species. Make saving riparian zones a priority.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2, LAND USE
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2, LAND USE (AB2016 -047B)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 2 -13, policy 2F -6, "Monitor
incentive programs on a five -year basis to ensure the comprehensive plan goals are being
achieved. Develop an alternate approach if necessary:, using adaptive management steps to
effect compliance with individual programs." This would clarify what an alternative proposal
would be.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
Donovan moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 2 -78 to create a new policy,
"2CC -12: It is the policy of Whatcom County to have zoning and land use practices
consistent with 33 USC Sec. 476[b]. As such, no officer, employee, or other official of
Whatcom County shall, or shall have the authority to issue, renew, grant, or otherwise grant
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 2
1 or approve any easement, vacation of right -of -way, permit, license, or other authority that
2 facilitates constructing, renovating, modifying, or otherwise altering a terminal, dock, or
3 other facility in, on, or immediately adjacent to, or affecting the navigable waters of the
4 Salish Sea (Puget Sound), which may result in any increase in the volume of crude oil
5 capable of being handled at any such facility, other than oil to be refined for consumption in
6 the State of Washington.
7 Whatcom County zoning code shall reflect this policy."
8
9 He stated this is language from the Magnuson Act to prevent increased volume of
10 crude being exported from the Puget Sound area. There are concerns about more oil trains
11 coming through the area. The refinery should continue and the jobs should stay here. Don't
12 engage in years of a permitting process if they know the State or federal government won't
13 allow it.
14
15 The motion was seconded.
16
17 Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, stated she is available to speak with
18 councilmembers about this in executive session. She has personally been told that this may
19 be a basis for a challenge by an attorney.
20
21 Brenner moved to go into executive session to discuss potential litigation for no
22 longer than 15 minutes.
23
24 The motion was seconded.
25
26 Sidhu stated it's possible that the refineries can use the tank farm to ship oil oversees
27 for refining and then bring the refined oil back. There would only have to be 20 jobs.
28 Existing jobs will be eliminated. He wants assurance that the refinery will continue to refine
29 oil, not just transport oil in and out of the country.
30
31 Weimer stated he has prepared a comprehensive amendment to the Cherry Point
32 area.
33
34 Councilmembers discussed the deadline for presenting amendments and the possibility
35 of delaying an executive session discussion until all councilmembers are present.
36
37 The motion to go into executive session carried by the following vote:
38 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
39 Nays: None (0)
40 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
41
42 (Clerk's Note: The Council was in executive session from 2 :35 p.m. to 2 :46 p.m.)
43
44 Donovan moved to hold in Committee until they hear more from the attorney and
45 policy analyst.
46
47 The motion was seconded.
48
49 The motion carried by the following vote:
50 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
51 Nays: None (0)
52 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
53
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 3
1 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 2 -78 to create a new policy,
2 "2CC -13: Cooperate with the DNR and existing industries to monitor the effects of industrial
3 activities on water quality and habitat functions in and adjacent to the Cherry Point Aquatic
4 Reserve."
5
6 The motion was seconded.
7
8 The motion carried by the following vote:
9 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
10 Nays: None (0)
11 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
12
13 Donovan moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 2 -6, to create a new policy,
14 "2A -14: Strive to establish by December 2017, a clear, predictable, and fair process for
15 allowing expansion of urban growth areas that considers reasonable measures to mitigate
16 the impacts of residential development in rural lands, agricultural areas (broadly defined),
17 and sensitive watersheds. This process should include:
18
19 Convening a multi - stakeholder work group, including the cities, —and potential
20 TDR /PDR users in the building industry who will be exchanging development rights. The
21 process and program should include:
22 • Reviewing the current TDR and PDR programs.
23 • Identifying political, financial, and regulatory barriers to effective TDR and PDR
24 programs.
25 . Identifying opportunities and solutions for creating a workable TDR program.
26 • Identifying mechanisms to create a PDR fund that could be used to protect
27 important agricultural and rural lands.
28 • Recommending policy and regulatory amendments necessary to implement the
29 above policy:
30 • Identifying proposed sending areas in critical areas, the Agricultural Zone, and the
31 Rural Study Areas.
32 . Identifying receiving areas.
33 . Identifying other factors and /or growth management tools.
34 . Exchangeable development rights that have economic value, with the potential for
35 multiple methods of assigning and converting value.
36 • Interlocal agreements that grant economic value to exchangeable development
37 rights and that insure development rights can be used in receiving areas.
38
39 Based upon the findings of the multi - stakeholder work group, consider strategies
40 that could require purchase, transfer or otherwise incentivize removal of potential
41 development rights form rural or resource lands in exchange for UGA expansion and other
42 upzones.
43
44 The motion was seconded.
45
46 Brenner stated include people who are involved in building houses, not just people
47 from the Building Industry Association. They should contribute ideas for making a program
48 work.
49
50 Donovan amended his motion to include two bullet points from Councilmember
51 Brenner's proposed language after the first paragraph, "...This process should include:
52 Consultation with a focus group of potential TDR /PDR users in the building
53 industry.
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 4
Interlocal agreements to ensure approval of all jurisdictions before any
TDR /PDR program is implemented that could affect the jurisdictions.
Convening a multi - stakeholder work group..."
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, asked if the first
paragraph is for people to mitigate their own impacts for the expansion of the urban growth
area or from impacts occurring out in the hinterland by someone else.
Councilmembers discussed cause and effect, expanding the urban growth areas, and a
general voluntary program.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
pp,,��
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 2 -23, Goal 2P, "Eneeurag -e
,Re 14s-h— 7 Y4 -1'esi ,-I •• •w'G'CTR"!Zi'l -d en 7. R-11
four units per net residential acre; eneeuFage Ferndale te establish new 'den-t; I
dev-6-ap 4es ' ; eFICOUPaige
i , r.,de to establish five 9— tei-'1— tFnits
pef net residential aEFe; and ence ning smaller cities to establish new residentlaf
epm_-.n,II- at - , ..-vol-Hee respecting
- - Y ON ONOM-
C..7
-8- lita i n e 617{ " t— atere;
-Eversen four te six units per net acre,,
9---Noeksack four te six units per net f and
• Sangas feur te six units per met acre.;
7 Z 7 w
Work cooperatively with all jurisdictions to determine new residential development
densities that each jurisdiction approves.
Aamot described the existing goal from which this language came. The cities
indicated that they could live with this language, which is an alternative to language the cities
originally didn't like.
Brenner withdrew her motion,
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 5
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS, UTILITIES
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5, UTILITIES (AB2016 -047E)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -10, Policy 51-1-1, "Land use
regulations shall be consistent with the renewable energy goals and other goals in this
chapter. Whatcom County zoning ordinances related to all types of renewable energy shall
be reviewed and revised using working ordinances developed by other jurisdictions and
peer- reviewed organizations as guides. The county shall complete a renewable resource and
environmental impact study to identify all areas of the county that are suitable for different
types of renewable energy, as well as areas to avoid. Areas identified as suitable shall be
defined as energy overlay zones, within which different types of energy development that
do not cause any public health issues, may be permitted outright. Renewable energy that
does not cause any public health or environmental issues shall be encouraged in these
zones."
The motion was seconded.
The councilmembers discussed whether an environmental impact statement (EIS)
should or shall be conducted; whether the definition of renewable includes things like tidal
energy and digesters and how in -depth a study would be; applying the same regulations
instead of creating new regulations for renewable energy sources; making sure the County
doesn't get in the way of renewable energy projects; health impacts from wind turbines;
Buchanan moved to approve a substitute motion with amendments suggested by
staff, "Land use regulations shall be consistent with the renewable energy goals and other
goals in this chapter. Whatcom County zoning ordinances related to all types of renewable
energy shall should be reviewed and revised using working ordinances developed by other
jurisdictions and peer- reviewed organizations as guides. eemplete-a
bl n a areas of the county tha
afe su itaW �r —d KeFe i y f--— Ae energy, as well as areas to aveid. AFeas
we , led as sudta .. - --all be defined as everlay zones, within ch diffefent+fpes-�
del . e. „mot-- caLise -anw - pti-blic, alt -ii ees; may- .
Renewable energy that does not cause ai=q significant public health or environmental issues
shall be encouraged in these zones."
The motion to approve the substitute motion was seconded.
The substitute motion carried by the following vote;
Ayes: Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (4)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
Abstains: Brenner (1)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -9, Policy 51-1-2, "Encourage
and support the development of renewable energy projects and technologies, including
pursuing renewable energy supply portfolios for the County from power suppliers as well as
small local renewable energy projects...."
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 6
1 The motion carried by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
3 Nays: None (0)
4 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
5
6 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -9, Policy 51-1-2, "...such as
7 anaerobic digesters, solar and wind energy, and biomass, where applicable."
8
9 Sidhu described what biomass is and suggested a friendly amendment, "...such as
10 anaerobic digesters, solar and ...wind energy, and biomass, and other forms of renewable
11 energy, where applicable."
12
13 Brenner accepted the friendly amendment.
14
15 The motion was seconded.
16
17 The motion carried by the following vote:
18 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, and Donovan (4)
19 Nays: Weimer (1)
20 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
21
22 Weimer stated he recalls the problems with Recomp and incineration.
23
24 Brenner moved to reconsider.
25
26 The motion to reconsider was seconded.
27
28 The motion to reconsider carried by the following vote:
29 Ayes: Brenner, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (4)
30 Nays: Sidhu (1)
31 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
32
33 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -9, Policy 51-1-2, "...such as
34 anaerobic digesters, solar and wind energy, and biefflass other forms of renewable energy,
35 where applicable."
36
37 The motion carried by the following vote:
38 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
39 Nays: None (0)
40 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
41
42 Donovan moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -10 to create a new policy,
43 "5H -5: The Whatcom County zoning ordinance related to wind and other renewable energy
44 systems shall be reviewed and revised to encourage reasonable opportunities for Wind
45 renewable energy at all scales."
46
47 The motion was seconded.
48
49 Councilmembers discussed whether they've already done this when they rewrote
50 policy 5H -1.
51
52 Donovan withdrew his motion.
53
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 7
1 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -10, Policy 51-1-4, "Locate
2 sefar renewable energy generation equipment on County facilities where cost /benefit
3 analyses prove advantageous over the life cycle of the facilities."
4
5 The motion was seconded
6
7 The motion carried by the following vote:
8 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
9 Nays: None (0)
10 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
11
12 Weimer moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 5 -5, to delete lines 12 -16,
13 "GountyMde-- Ranr4ng Pei eies, epee spa ace, -g-e nway he environment, zoning, existiFig
14 development patterns-,—urban terms' , ,
15 ec+c; a n# geega p I, . ieia r�h
eations
16 Iry t-r"ewe r- andf o-r- Raffia -gas corr; „
17
18 The motion was seconded.
19
20 The motion carried by the following vote:
21 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
22 Nays: None (0)
23 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
24
25
26 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION
27
28 1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
29 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION (AB2016- 047F)
30
31 The Committee did not discuss this item.
32
33
34 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS, RESOURCE LANDS
35
36 1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
37 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS, RESOURCE LANDS (AB2016 -047H)
38
39 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -3, lines 1 -3, "The purpose of
40 this section is to provide a clear set of guidelines that preserves the agricultural base in
41 Whatcom County, prioritizes the human need for food, fiber, shelter and energy and ensures
42 that both the agricultural industry and the cultural heritage thrive in the years to come."
43
44 Sidhu stated he worked with the agricultural community on this chapter and these
45 proposed amendments.
46
47 The motion was seconded.
48
49 The motion carried by the following vote:
50 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
51 Nays: None (0)
52 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
53
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 8
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -5, line 31, " Whatcom County
agriculture is widespread and diverse, ranging from small, organic farms in the Mt. Baker
Foothills to cold- storage facilities in Bellingham, and includes orchards, dairies, cattle
ranches, produce farms, and nurseries, to name a few. Our farms are the country's top
producers of red raspberries and are also major producers of milk, beef, blueberries,
potatoes, nursery products, and many other agricultural commodities.
The economic impacts of agriculture on Whatcom County are substantial. According
to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2012 Census of Agriculture, 1,483, Whatcom County
farms produced a market value of $326 million in crops and livestock that year,
ranking eighth in the state. Milk produced locally in 2013 reached an all -time high market
value of $246.1 million. Raspberries and blueberries combined for a record market value of
$123.6 million in 2014.
Average annual agricultural employment in Whatcom County in 2014 was 3,512, with
substantial seasonal variation within that average, according to the Washington State
Employment Security Department. Locally, agricultural jobs soared to 5,661 in the third
quarter of 2015. In addition, farms and support businesses, such as equipment retailers,
veterinarians, processing facilities, and feed suppliers employ many Whatcom County
residents."
Karin Baringer, Planning and Development Services Department, answered questions
on the most recent source material.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
Brenner moved to:
• Amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -5, lines 35 -39, "Agricultural activity is
generally considered to be a condition or activity which occurs on agricultural
land in connection with the commercial production of agricultural products.
Agricultural land may include, but not be limited to can be .,.,,......:bed as the
land, +ifrrg freshwater ponds, buildings, infrastructure, and
machinery used in the commercial production of agricultural products.
Agricultural products are those plants and animals useful to humans.
Commercially viable agricultural products require generally rich and fertile soil
with appropriate amounts of water to bring them to a harvestable stage."
• Amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -5, lines 43 -46, "Agricultural lands are an
important resource to the people of Whatcom County and Washington State,
yet if net and need to be adequately protected as necessary through zoning
and otheF .,o,.,aSUFes voluntary measures , such as PDRs, and workable TDRs
programs, these lands Fnay be eenver tsrbairtr -ual tomes."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 9
1
2 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page. 8 -8, line 5, "The state
3 legislature has recognized that agriculture faces unprecedented international market
4 competition and costs. Low profit margins have pushed many agricultural operations out of
5 business, which can be seen in the decline of Whatcom County's agricultural land base from
6 1949 to 2012. The continued loss of working agricultural land also harms critical areas
7 because, as the Puget Sound Partnership has noted, farm and cattle ranch lands deliver
8 critical area outcomes that are superior to converted lands, in terms of water quality
9 functions, floodplain, aquifer recharge, and food and habitat functions for fish and wildlife
10 species. Because of this, additional regulations need to be carefully tailored to prevent
11 additional threats to already thin farm profit margins that can accelerate conversion to non -
12 agricultural uses."
13
14 The motion was seconded.
15
16 Weimer stated he prefers the alternative language that says farm and cattle ranch
17 lands deliver critical area outcomes that can be, not are, superior to converted lands.
18
19 Beringer stated staff prefers the alternative language.
20
21 Sidhu stated it's not up to the Council to determine what influences profit margins, so
22 he prefers the alternative language, with less subjective wording.
23
24 The motion failed by the following vote:
25 Ayes: Brenner (1)
26 Nays: Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer (3)
27 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
28 Abstains: Donovan (1)
29
30 Sidhu moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page. 8 -8, line 5, "The state legislature
31 has recognized that agriculture faces unprecedented international market competition and
32 costs. Low profit margins have contributed to the decline of Whatcom County's agricultural
33 land base from 1949 to 2012. The continued loss of working agricultural land also harm
34 critical areas because, as the Puget Sound Partnership has noted, farm and cattle ranch lands
35 can deliver critical area outcomes that can be superior to converted lands, in terms of water
36 quality functions, floodplain, aquifer recharge, and food and habitat functions for fish and
37 wildlife species. Because of this, additional regulations need to be carefully tailored to prevent
38 additional threats that can accelerate conversion to non - agricultural uses."
39
40 The motion was seconded
41
42 The motion carried by the following vote:
43 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
44 Nays: None (0)
45 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
46
47 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -8, Policy 8A -2, "Maintain a
48 working agricultural land base sufficient to support a viable local agricultural industry by
49 considering tie regulatory impacts to farmers and agricultural lands as part of the legislative
50 decision making process. Measures that can be taken to support working farms and maintain
51 the agricultural land base should include:..."
52
53 The motion was seconded,
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 10
1
2 Donovan suggested a friendly amendment "Recognizing the impact of
3 regulations" as a bullet point, instead of in the introduction.
4
5 Brenner accepted the friendly amendment.
6
7 Beringer stated a proposed new bullet point already encourages farm friendly
8 regulations.
9
10 Brenner withdrew the motion.
11
12 Sidhu moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -8; Policy 8A -2 to add a bullet
13 item:
14 • Give priority in the PDR program to land with valid, adequate irrigation water
15 rights and physical access to water sufficient to sustain economically viable irrigation based
16 agriculture.
17
18 The motion was not seconded.
19
20 Sidhu moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -8, Policy 8A -2:
21 • WeF1f-Rgr -- c- aaper-ati lk- with -,e -mers an COet ; ng -with Eecal an state
22 agene'.ev _= address water q- -_ -' -, - ...meets-- s€-- a�f-i-eelturad— arc- tiv-i- €res-en -- sec- al — s4cams a-Q
2 3 gFo u -n t-ef-.
24
25 He stated the language is repetitive from another chapter.
26
27 Brenner moved to hold in Committee until they find out if the language is in another
28 chapter.
29
30 The motion was seconded.
31
32 The motion to hold in Committee carried by the following vote:
33 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
34 Nays: None (0)
35 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
36
37 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -8, Policy 8A -2 to add a bullet
38 item:
39 • Development assistance to agricultural - related enterprises.
40
41 The motion was seconded
42
43 Sidhu stated there are no programs to encourage the agricultural industry, such as
44 recruiting. Agriculture should be an industry considered for economic development.
45
46 Weimer suggested a friendly amendment, "Economic development assistance to
47 agricultural - related enterprises."
48
49 The amendment was seconded.
50
51 The motion carried by the following vote:
52 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
53 Nays: None (0)
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 11
1 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
2
3 Donovan moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -8, Policy 8A -2:
4 e Recognizing regulatory impacts and encouraging farm friendly regulations.
5
6 The motion was seconded.
7
8 The motion carried by the following vote:
9 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
10 Nays: None (0)
11 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
12
13 Sidhu moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -10 to create a new policy and
14 renumber subsequent policies, "8A -7 Recognize that property owners of land designated as
15 agricultural land of long -term significance have the right to request re- designation or
16 conversion and work cooperatively with farmers to approve re- designation and conversion if
17 the land satisfies the re- designation criteria, and conversion is allowed in the underlying
18 zoning."
19
20 He stated this doesn't change or challenge the current policies. It recognizes that
21 agricultural land owners can ask for conversion, and zoning laws will be followed.
22
23 The motion was seconded.
24
25 The councilmembers discussed converting agricultural land to housing and the goal to
26 conserve land base.
27
28 Donovan moved to approve a substitute motion to amend Comprehensive Plan
29 page 8 -10 to create a new policy and renumber subsequent policies, "8A -7 Recognize that
30 property owners of land designated as agricultural land of long -term significance have the
31 right to request re- designation or conversion - arid- wer -I -c-ex - efs4, approve
32 i€-t e4a9d satisfies the re desi rratkn ---- - riteria, and eenvefs;epi
33 is allowed On the
34
35 The substitute motion to amend was seconded.
36
37 The substitute motion failed by the following vote:
38 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, and Donovan (3)
39 Nays: Weimer, Buchanan, (2)
40 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
41
42 Buchanan restated the original motion to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -10
43 to create a new policy and renumber subsequent policies, "8A -7 Recognize that property
44 owners of land designated as agricultural land of long -term significance have the right to
45 request re- designation or conversion and work cooperatively with farmers to approve re-
46 designation and conversion if the land satisfies the re- designation criteria, and conversion is
47 allowed in the underlying zoning."
48
49 The motion failed by the following vote:
50 Ayes: Brenner and Sidhu, (2)
51 Nays: Weimer, Buchanan, and Donovan (3)
52 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
53
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 12
1 Sidhu moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -10 to create a new policy and
2 renumber subsequent policies, "8A -8: Recognize that re- designation and conversion are
3 sometimes necessary to ensure the continued economic viability of adjacent agricultural
4 land."
5
6 The motion was seconded.
7
8 The motion failed by the following vote:
9 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, and Donovan (3)
10 Nays: Weimer and Buchanan (2)
11 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
12
13 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -10, Policy 8A -7, "Work
14 cooperatively with farmers to Pprioritize agricultural activity in land use decisions when land
15 is composed of prime and /or productive agricultural soils...."
16
17 The motion was seconded.
18
19 The motion carried by the following vote:
20 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
21 Nays: None (0)
22 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
23
24 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -11, Policy 8A -10, "The
25 Agricultural Advisory Committee shall advise the Whatcom County Executive and Council on
26 agricultural issues and agricultural land use. Whatcom County shall support the Agricultural
27 Advisory Committee with staff and other resources, and shall prioritize the AAC's input with
28 regard to agricultural resource lands."
29
30 The motion was seconded.
31
32 The Councilmembers discussed how to prioritize the work of the AAC.
33
34 Brenner amended her motion, "The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall advise
35 the Whatcom County Executive and Council on agricultural issues and agricultural land use.
36 Whatcom County shall support the Agricultural Advisory Committee with staff and other
37 resources, and shall PFieFitize recognize the AAC's input with regard to agricultural resource
38 lands."
39
40 The amended motion carried by the following vote:
41 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
42 Nays: None (0)
43 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
44
45 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -11 to create a new policy,
46 "8A- 11: Support voluntary measures and adequate financial compensation for farmers for
47 any zoning changes that reduce their economic viability."
48
49 The motion was seconded.
50
51
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 13
1 The motion failed by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Brenner (1)
3 Nays: Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (4)
4 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
5
6 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -11, Policy 8B -6, "Develop and
7 utilize a range of result- oriented non - regulatory programs, options, and incentives,
8 collaboratively developed and monitored by the County and landowners, that agricultural
9 landowners can employ so long as such programs, options, and incentives can be shown to
10 produce results that meet or exceed county environmental goals."
11
12 The motion was seconded.
13
14 The motion carried by the following vote:
15 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan and Donovan (4)
16 Nays: Weimer (1)
17 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
18
19 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 8 -12, Policy 8C -2, "Involve
20 those who actually are engaged in agricultural activities, and give high regard to their
21 opinions in the County's decision - making during to the planning process and when instituting
22 regulatory changes that would impact the agricultural community. Use groups working
23 effectively with the agricultural community...."
24
25 The motion was seconded.
26
27 The motion carried by the following vote:
28 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
29 Nays: None (0)
30 Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
31
32
33 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER-10,-.DESIGN
34
35 1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
36 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10, DESIGN (AB2016 -0473)
37
38 The Committee did not discuss this item.
39
40
41 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENT
42
43 1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
44 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11, ENVIRONMENT (AB2016 -047K)
45
46 The Committee did not discuss this item.
47
48
49 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX G
50
51 1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
52 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX G, CURRENTLY TRANSPORTATION
53 IMPACT FEE BACKGROUND INFORMATION, PROPOSED TO BE REPLACED
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 14
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WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY'S WATER RESOURCE AND SALMON
RECOVERY PROGRAMS (AB2016 -047L)
The Committee did not discuss this item.
INTRODUCTION
1. COUNCIL IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TWO CITIZEN POSITIONS ON
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED JAIL STAKEHOLDER WORKGROUP (ONE
RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM AND ONE WHATCOM COUNTY
RESIDENT WHO RESIDES OUTSIDE THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM) (AB2016-
179A) (APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 10 A.M. ON JULY 5, 2016)
Donovan moved to accept the Introduction Item.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Browne (2)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
The,4,ni.1 approved these minutes on
ATTEST., s`1 U
C04
Dana romw ni-TP Ts uncif Clerk
KV
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
November 22, 2016.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
fr fn
Bar�y Buchanan, Council Chair
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/21/2016, Page 15