HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole PM June 28 2016WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Special Committee of the Whole
June 28, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 1:42 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT
11 AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON THE
FOLLOWING WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS:
CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION (AB2016- 047F); CHAPTER 7, ECONOMICS
(AB2016- 047G); CHAPTERS, RESOURCE LANDS (AB2016- 047H); CHAPTER
10, DESIGN (AB2016- 0477); CHAPTER 11, ENVIRONMENT (AB2016- 047K);
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDICES (AB2016 -047L)
Sylvia Goodwin, Port of Bellingham, stated she appreciates recent changes. Delete
the discussion of the 1970 Stafford Research study. The Port will work with economic
development organizations to improve the Choose Whatcom website and explore other
options for marketing. She supports an economic development forum with the organizations
this fall. She supports the proposed revisions on local food and value -added processing. She
submitted a handout about Employment at Cherry Point (on file) regarding Chapter 2 and
stated work to retain and expand existing companies. She does not support proposed
changes to prevent expansion or decrease employment at Cherry Point.
Max Perry stated he does not support changes to Chapter 8 regarding river scalping.
Emphasize how it could be done the right way.
Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association, asked if the section regarding the local
food system has to go through the Planning Commission, since it's a new section. The
construction industry is important. Be careful about adding fees and restrictions.
Environmental concerns and private property rights are to be considered equally. Check with
the Department of Commerce about the County's requirement to work with the Cities.
Karlee Deatherage, ReSources for Sustainable Communities, stated they support the
policies and recommendations submitted yesterday by Futurewise. In Chapter 8, prohibit the
transfer of irrigation water to non - agricultural uses. They support Council proposed Chapter
8 amendments 12a through 12c in the Council packet regarding aquatic resource lands.
Water quality must be maintained to preserve agriculture. Make sure water is available for
instream uses. In Chapter 11, they support proposed amendments 43 and 44 and the new
Lake Whatcom policies. Improve water quality in the lake. Eliminate redundant policies.
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 1
1 Work to quantify water use countywide by 2025, and provide the information to the Planning
2 Unit.
3
4 Anastasia Lundholm referenced appendices E and F regarding the proposed new jail.
5 She is concerned about the economic impact of a new jail project. Take better care of people
6 and families in the community.
7
8 Pam Borso referenced Chapter 8 and stated don't remove language about working
9 cooperatively with local farmers to protect water quality. Best management practices aren't
10 the same as best available science, which is the term they should use. Don't replace
11 "manure management" with "nutrient management." Incentives only work if stringent
12 regulations are in place. In Chapter 11, if the risk of damage and threats to health and
13 human safety in hazard areas can't be mitigated, allow Whatcom County to deny residential
14 development permits.
15
16 Carole Perry stated a new jail is necessary. The existing jail is an inadequate public
17 facility.
18
19 The councilmembers discussed the schedule, when to incorporate citizen suggested
20 amendments, and whether the County is at risk if it does not coordinate with the City
21 comprehensive plans.
22
23 Browne moved to adopt at the first meeting in September.
24
25 The motion was seconded.
26
27 Councilmembers continued to discuss the schedule for continued review, public
28 hearing, and a vote on the Comprehensive Plan.
29
30 Browne withdrew his motion.
31
32 Buchanan moved to have a public hearing and vote to adopt on August 9, 2016.
33
34 The motion was seconded.
35
36 The motion carried by the following vote:
37 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
38 Nays: Brenner (1)
39
40 Forrest Longman stated they can hold appendices E and F to the next meeting to be
41 discussed with Chapter 4.
42
43
44 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 ECONOMICS
45
46 1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
47 PLAN CHAPTER 7, ECONOMICS (AB2016 -047G)
48
49 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -17; Policy 7E -1, "Support
50 attractions for Canadians and other visitors so they will remain in the eof-Rmt1fH -ty county
51 longer and distribute their spending throughout the community. Some of the examples
52 would include support for such items as the following:" The term community' is subjective.
53
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 2
1 The motion was seconded.
2
3 The motion carried by the following vote:
4 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
5 Nays: None (0)
6
7 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -18, Policy 7F -1,
8 Support existing businesses in--th m-r r-ri-ty locally as the major contributors of job
9 creation and regeneration and afford them every opportunity to continue their success in
10 the community.
11
12 The motion was seconded.
13
14 The motion carried by the following vote:
15 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
16 Nays: None (0)
17
18 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -19, lines 8 -9, "The fishing
19 and shellfishing industries are particularly dependent on water, good water quality; and
20 habitat."
21
22 The motion was seconded.
23
24 Mann suggested a friendly amendment, "...dependent on water quantity, good
25 water quality...."
26
27 Brenner accepted the friendly amendment.
28
29 The amended motion was seconded.
30
31 The motion carried by the following vote:
32 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
33 Nays: None (0)
34
35 Browne moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -19, Policy 7G -1, "Recognize
36 the natural environment as a major asset and manage environmental resources accordingly.
37 Always be mindful that we must have both economic prosperity and environmental
38 sustainability or we will have neither." Sustainability is both economic and environmental.
39 They have both, or they have neither.
40
41 The motion was seconded.
42
43 Weimer stated he is against the motion because the statement isn't true.
44 Environmental sustainability can exist without economic prosperity.
45
46 Browne stated that without economic prosperity, stress affects the natural
47 environment.
48
49 The motion failed by the following vote:
50 Ayes: Mann and Browne (2)
51 Nays: Buchanan, Donovan, Sidhu, Brenner and Weimer (5)
52
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 3
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -19, Policy 7G -1, "Recognize
the natural environment as a major asset and manage environmental resources accordingly.
We need both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Donovan (6)
Nays: Weimer (1)
Mann moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -19, Policy 7G -4, to add a bullet
point, "Encourage sustainability by:
• Pursuing energy resiliency and self- sufficiency by establishing renewable
energy overlay zones and by revisiting restrictions
on the development of wind energy systems that protect public health and
safety, as d+se- ."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -20, lines 6 -8, "Natural
resource -based industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing,. and mining. While accounting for
less than 5% of the total county employment, resource based industries are still major
components of the economy." Secondary uses go with resource industries. Cover
everything.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -21, Policy 7H -2, "Work with
ether agencies, Tribal governments, and other groups to improve the condition of the
fishery resource, including habitat maintenance and enhancement, especially for habitats
utilized by threatened and endangered fish species."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -20, line 15, "Agriculture is
one of Whatcom County's largest economic drivers. Whatcom County holds the most
agricultural and farming land within western Washington, according to the 2014 Whatcom
Futures Report. Additionally, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2012 Census of
Agriculture, 1,702 Whatcom County farms produced a market value of $357 million in crops
and livestock that year. Locally produced milk produced in 2013 reached an all -time high
market value of $246.1 million. Raspberries and blueberries combined for a record market
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 4
value of $123.6 million in 2014." It's important that people understand how much they get
from the agricultural industry. The information is all the latest data.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Sidhu moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -21, to create a new policy "7H-
8: Develop and support more programs to promote ag- tourism and ag- education to increase
public awareness of the nutritional and economic value of agriculture and quality food
production."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -22, Goal 71, "in an eceno
ctrat^g; fe-r- W-hateem- Geunty, Aaddress unemployment and underemployment as important
issues and continue the effort to increase family wage jobs."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -23, Policy 73-3, "Focus on
absorbing and retraining displaced and discouraged workers and addressing the skills gap
through grants, training by the Northwest Workforce Council TkFeUgh gr rit-s-,4r-aining by t! -e
Nor-thw,est --- Warr- k-fe=Ee Development ,ne+l, Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom
Community College, and Northwest Indian College, and other opportunities fE)eLIS en
alter -k�' isca ___. ___.,.g _.._ Vki
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Browne moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -24 to create a new policy
"7K -11: Recognize high speed Internet and cellular coverage are essential for all regions of
our economy to succeed." He stated high speed internet and cellular coverage are crucial
for the economy to succeed.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 5
1 Browne moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -24, to create a new policy,
2 "7K -12: Encourage, and if necessary provide incentives for, high speed Internet and cellular
3 infrastructure to be deployed in areas of the County such as the Columbia Valley that are
4 likely better suited for communications -based businesses rather than transportation
5 intensive industries."
6
7 Brenner stated end the sentence after "Columbia Valley," because Columbia Valley
8 has forestry and agriculture, which are transportation- intensive. She doesn't agree that
9 they're necessarily better for communications -based businesses.
10
11 Browne stated it's not economically attractive for business to transport raw materials
12 to Columbia Valley, assemble them, and transport them back.
13
14 Sidhu stated encourage and incentivize high speed internet, not the industry. This
15 policy is about encouraging the expansion of internet. Whoever wants to make use of it,
16 can do that. Otherwise, people will interpret that incentives should go to communications
17 business. The incentive is just to encourage internet.
18
19 Donovan stated he appreciates the sentiment and that it seems they're dismissing
20 the timber industry. Some people might interpret it differently than intended.
21
22 Browne amended his motion and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7-
23 24, to create a new policy, "7K -12: Encourage and, if necessary, provide incentives for high
24 speed Internet and cellular infrastructure to be deployed in areas of the County such as the
25 Columbia Valley."
26
27 The motion was seconded.
28
29 The motion carried by the following vote:
30 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
31 Nays: None (0)
32
33 Browne moved to spend no more time on grammatical changes and leave
34 grammatical changes to the final changes on the final version.
35
36 The motion was seconded.
37
38 Buchanan stated they can accumulate all the necessary grammar and punctuation
39 changes and adopt them at the end of the process.
40
41 The motion carried by the following vote:
42 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
43 Nays: Brenner and Donovan (2)
44
45 Weimer moved to approve Council proposed amendments 14a through 14n:
46
47 14a) Amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -24 to create a new section:
48
49 Local Food System
50
51 Whatcom County is home to a robust agricultural production industry, marine
52 harvest industry, as well as an associated local consumption industry. To maintain
53 and advance the quality and quantity of food produced in Whatcom County,
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 6
1
consideration must be given to interconnected sectors which support a thriving food
2
system, including land, water, fishing, farming, labor, processing, transportation,
3
consumption, aquaculture and waste. A vibrant local food system is a community
4
asset to be protected, strengthened, planned for and celebrated.
5
6
7
14b)
Amend to create a new goal, "7L: Strengthen the local food system and take steps to
8
improve conditions for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous food economy."
9
10
14c)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -1: Encourage government, institutions, and local
11
businesses to purchase food produced within Whatcom County when available."
12
13
14d)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -2: Encourage local farmers and producers to sell
14
their products to local markets."
15
16
14e)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -3: Support development plans and zoning
17
changes that increase access to healthy and locally grown food products."
18
19
14f)
Amend to move and renumber Policy 7K -10 as Policy 7L -4, "Support food outlets
20
such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and local food markets that provide
21
fresh, healthy foods."
22
23
14g)
Amend to move and edit Policy 7K -7 as 7L -5, "Support efforts and /or organizations
24
seeking to achieve economic agrieHituraI- diversity within the food system such as:
25
• Niche markets for local agricultural products;
26
• Technical assistance er ^dtteart +ena igr-ams-;
27
• Farmer's markets;
28
• Value -added or innovative agricultural products or services;
29
• herproduct outlets
30
• Farm -to- school and farm -to- institution;
31
• Agricultural diversity;
32
• Food access and affordability; and
33
0 Community educatie ^ and4nfermatien diaaemination gardens.
34
35
14h)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -6: Support efforts to protect water quality and
36
quantity, soil health, and best management practices as related to the food system."
37
38
14i)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -7: Encourage communication and collaboration
39
across and within all sectors of the food system and support efforts /organizations
40
working to build common understanding and to facilitate better collaborative effort
41
toward an equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system for all."
42
43
14j)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -8: Support establishment of community -wide food
44
system development plans."
45
46
14k)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -9: Support healthy and safe working conditions as
47
well as healthy and safe living conditions for farmworkers."
48
49
141)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -10: Work towards a fair and equitable food
50
system that honors and supports the people working within it."
51
52
14m)
Amend to create a new policy, "7L -11: Support organizations that provide technical
53
assistance, educational programs, and general support to people and businesses
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 7
1 within the local food system."
2
3 14n) Amend to create a new policy, "7L -12: Consider food waste systems that reduce food
4 waste and capture food waste nutrients."
5
6 The motion was seconded.
7
8 Brenner referenced item 14f and suggested a friendly amendment, "Amend to
9 move and renumber Policy 7K -10 as Policy 7L -4, "Support food outlets such as grocery
10 stores, convenience stores, and local food markets that provide fresh, healthy foods,
11 especially in underserved areas."
12
13 Weimer accepted the friendly amendment.
14
15 Browne asked if this needs to go to the Planning Commission.
16
17 Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, stated he would look
18 into it.
19
20 Donovan stated it could be a new goal and policies, not a new section.
21
22 Personius stated this does not have a regulatory component, so the Council is free to
23 add the new section.
24
25 Brenner referenced the last bullet point in 14g and suggested a friendly
26 amendment to reinstate the second bullet point, "Technical assistance or educational
27 programs" and amend the last bullet point, "Community gardens, education, and
28 information dissemination."
29
30 Weimer accepted the friendly amendment.
31
32 Mann referenced item 14L and stated it is outside the scope of the County. He
33 moved to amend the motion to amend, to remove item 14L, policy 7L -10, from the
34 motion.
35
36 The motion to amend the motion was seconded..
37
38 Weimer stated he supports the language in 14L because it's about farmworker issues
39 and equitable pay, however the new section isn't hurt if removed.
40
41 The motion to amend the motion carried by the following vote:
42 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Donovan (6)
43 Nays: Weimer (1)
44
45 The main motion to approve items 14a through 14k, 14m, and 14n as amended
46 carried by the following vote:
47 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
48 Nays: None (0)
49
50 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -10, Policy 7A -2, "Foster a
51 diverse, private- sector job base, which will provide family -wage jobs at the state median
52 income level or greater, and facilitate the retention and expansion of existing businesses. An
53 increasing body of research has concluded communities that prioritize and invest in
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 8
Business Start Up, Retention, and Expansion will experience more job growth, income
growth, and economic resiliency than those that spend heavily on recruitment, including
giving away tax money and other incentives to attract businesses."
The motion was seconded.
Browne stated he is against the motion because he hasn't seen the supporting
research. He submitted handouts (on file) on a joint effort to recruit new businesses from
four economic development organizations in King County.
Councilmembers discussed recruitment and supporting existing businesses.
Sidhu suggested a friendly amendment to the motion, "An increasing body of
research has concluded communities that prioritize and invest in business startup, retention,
affd expansion, and recruitment, will experience n9ere job growth, income growth, and
economic resiliency _.._S- _.._e _ e , ' -a-x
ffve�ney and ether incentives to att"Fae usinesses."
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)
Browne submitted and moved to approve a different version of item 16 (on file), to
amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -11, Policy 7A -3, "Employ innovative techniques to
attract a mix of diversified industries for a broader economic base starting with the creation
of a new economic development program 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 program 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." They are spending about $250 per person to help people who
cannot make enough money to support themselves in one way or another. Spend 1 /5 0th of
that amount on trying to raise the average living wage in the community.
The motion was seconded.
Councilmembers discussed a sunset date on all new programs so they can
automatically come up for review and approval, investing more money in economic
development, whether the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires consultation with
the cities about how economic development money is divided, and how specific the
Comprehensive Plan should be about the expenditure amount.
Donovan moved to amend the motion to remove "at a minimurn rate of $5 pe
he- a��l }spt+a-tiea- pet = yea- " He supports more recruitment, but don't specify the amount
of money. Just say it will be funded with monies collected from the Economic Development
Investment (EDI) statute.
The motion to amend the motion was seconded.
The motion to amend the motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Donovan (6)
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 9
1 Nays: Weimer (1)
2
3 Sidhu moved to amend the motion, "Employ innovative techniques for business
4 startup, retention, expansion, and recruitment to attFaet support a mix of diversified
5 industries...."
6
7 The motion to amend was seconded.
8
9 Councilmembers discussed whether the Port of Bellingham is already doing these
10 functions and the intent of the original motion to commit funds to recruitment efforts.
11
12 The motion to amend the motion failed by the following vote:
13 Ayes: Brenner and Sidhu (2)
14 Nays: Browne, Buchanan, Mann, Weimer and Donovan (5)
15
16 Mann moved to amend the motion in the first line "attraet recruit"
17
18 Browne accepted the motion as a friendly amendment.
19
20 The motion as amended carried by the following vote:
21 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
22 Nays: Brenner (1)
23
24 Browne stated he withdraws his proposed amendment 17 in the Council packet,
25 referenced his handout, and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12 to create a
26 new policy "7B -6: Through the development of a forward - focused marketing strategy and a
27 professional outbound lead generation program shall solicit inward investment from
28 targeted industry sectors that are forecast to provide growth in type of family wage jobs
29 that the community is well positioned to support."
30
31 The motion was seconded.
32
33 The motion carried by the following vote:
34 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
35 Nays: Brenner (1)
36 Absent: Donovan (out of the room) (1)
37
38 Browne referenced his handout and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7-
39 12 to create new policy, "7B -7: Provide these leads to organizations such as the Port, non -
40 profits, and private sector partners that offer the best fit based on the nature of the lead
41 and the partners commitment to continuously demonstrate /verify high levels of
42 responsiveness and customer satisfaction."
43
44 Mann suggested a friendly amendment to include Team Whatcom, "such as
45 Team Whatcom, the Port,...."
46
47 Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
48
49 Councilmembers discussed how leads are divided among the organization and how
50 they are going to prioritize and do all these other things.
51
52 The motion was seconded.
53
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 10
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: Brenner (1)
Browne moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12 to create a new policy to
goal, °7B -x: 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 the resources necessary for our partners to succeed." The Council previously
voted on this clause.
The motion was seconded.
Mann moved to amend the motion, "7B -x: Leads related to economic
development must at all times be responded to promptly and professionally."
The motion to amend was seconded.
Browne accepted the motion to amend as a friendly amendment.
The motion to approve the amendment as amended carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDICES
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FOLLOWING
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDICES (AB2016- 047L): APPENDIX A,
GLOSSARY, APPENDIX B, ACRONYMS, APPENDIX C, COUNTYWIDE PLANNING
POLICIES, APPENDIX D, BIBLIOGRAPHY, APPENDIX E, WC 20 YEAR CAPITAL
FACILITIES PLAN, APPENDIX F, 6 YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM,
APPENDIX G, WATER RESOURCES & SALMON RECOVERY (DELETING
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND
REPLACING WITH A NEW APPENDIX G RELATING TO WATER RESOURCE AND
SALMON RECOVERY PROGRAMS, WHICH WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH CHAPTER
11, ENVIRONMENT), APPENDIX H, AIRPORT OVERLAY ZONES, APPENDIX I,
IMAGINARY SURFACES
This item was not discussed.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION (AB2016- 047F)
Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan
"6C -8: Work with WSDOT to improve highway problem
and state roads by adding this issue to the Council of
WSDOT officials, and considering lower speed limits
discussions in the county six -year road program."
The motion was seconded.
page 6 -16 to create a new policy,
s caused by truck traffic on county
Governments work plan, lobbying
and road improvements during
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 11
1
2 The motion carried by the following vote:
3 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
4 Nays: None (0)
5
6 Brenner moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -19, Policy 6F -4, "Identify,
7 analyze and prioritize pedestrian and bicycle projects based on the following criteria:
8 • safety improvements are needed
9 • serves a residential or relatively high density rural or urban population area
10 • serves a location frequently traveled by seniors, children, or people with
11 disabilities
12 • leads to a school or is part of a school route
13 • provides access to a recreational facility or park
14 • functions as a key network link for the regional non - motorized network
15 • offers economic development potential for an under - served area
16 ease of implementation due to low cost, public ownership, or other feature
17 Coordinate with local community organizations, associations, or other governing
18 structures in designing and implementing improvements, such as safety improvements and
19 infrastructure.
20
21 The motion was seconded.
22
23 Brenner stated it's important to coordinate with other local organizations such as
24 Sudden Valley that aren't part of government.
25
26 Donovan suggested a friendly amendment to put the language above the
27 bulleted list at the beginning of the sentence.
28
29 Brenner accepted the friendly amendment, "Coordinate with local community
30 organizations, associations, or other governing structures in designing and implementing
31 improvements, such as safety improvements and infrastructure. Identify, analyze and
32 prioritize pedestrian and bicycle projects based on the following criteria:...."
33
34 The motion carried by the following vote:
35 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
36 Nays: None (0)
37
38 Browne moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -20; Policy 6F -5, "Consider
39 developing a non - motorized improvement plan that identifies and prioritizes future
40 pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Give priority to construction of pedestrian and bicycle
41 facilities en stFeets within and between urban growth areas and rural communities where
42 practical, and give priority to walkways along roadways within a one -mile radius of schools."
43
44 The motion was seconded.
45
46 Brenner stated this sounds like the same as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
47 Committee.
48
49 Browne stated it's not a committee, it's a plan.
50
51 Gary Davis, Planning and Development Services Department, stated a plan
52 developed under this policy would begin with an update of the advisory committee's bike
53 and pedestrian plan.
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 12
Mann suggested a friendly amendment, "Ganiskler—develeping Develop...."
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)
Mann moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -25, lines 39 -44, "GMA requires
an analysis of funding capability to judge needs against probable funding resources, and a
multi -year financing plan based on the needs identified in the plan. The Capital Facilities
Plan, Appendix E of this plan, contains the funding analysis and the current 20 -year list of
transportation projects. The EFP County also eent. ins the has a six -year Transportation
Improvement Program, which is updated annually, and programs funding for specific
projects over the next six years."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Browne (out of the room) (1)
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS, RESOURCE LANDS
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN CHAPTERS, RESOURCE LANDS (AB2016 -047H)
This item was not discussed.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENT
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN CHAPTER 11, ENVIRONMENT (AB2016 -047K)
This item was not discussed.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 DESIGN
1. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN CHAPTER 10, DESIGN (AB2016 -0473)
Mark Personius asked if there is any interest in keeping, deleting, or changing this
chapter. Staff and the Planning Commission propose deleting it. The policies went into
Chapter 2. Many of those issues are addressed in other chapters. Design is not a
requirement of the Growth Management Act (GMA). Design is more a city issue than a
county issue. If necessary, the County would address design issues at the neighborhood
level.
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 13
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Donovan moved to approve the staff and Planning Commission recommendation to
delete Chapter 10.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
-The Council approved these minutes on December 6, 2016.
r.0o Q
Dan[ Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Special Committee of the Whole - PM, 6/28/2016, Page 14