HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources November 21 20171
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
November 21, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Todd Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Carl Weimer, Satpal Sidhu and Todd Donovan
Absent: None
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION BY NORTHWEST CLEAN AIR AGENCY REGARDING AIR
QUALITY IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY (AB2017 -310)
Mark Buford, Northwest Clean Air Agency, submitted a presentation (on file). He
described the location of the Columbia Valley urban growth area (UGA), responses to
nuisance complaints, efforts to educate the residents, the agency working with the
community and other local partners to replace old woodstoves with new woodstoves or
convert residents to other heating sources, and air quality funding and trends. The terrain
contributes to air quality problems. The area has the worst air quality in the state due to
residential wood smoke in the wintertime. The air quality averages are improving.
He answered questions on the number of woodstoves that still need to be replaced,
the quality of wood being burned, the cost of a heat pump, the possibility of more reliable
electric service to the community, and options for woodstove alternatives that don't require
electricity.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION APPROVING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OPEN SPACE CURRENT
USE ASSESSMENT APPLICATIONS (AB2017 -336)
Chris Elder, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
from a presentation (on file) and submitted a handout (on file) and gave a staff report. He
described each application and answered questions.
Councilmembers and staff discussed the reduction or increase in annual taxes,
removing infrastructure on the Lummi Island property, the advantages of being charged
more taxes, public access requirements, potential problems with making appointments to
visit properties.
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Natural Resources Committee, 11/21/2017, Page 1
1 The motion carried by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Weimer, Sidhu, and Donovan (3)
3 Nays: None (0)
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5 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.118, REACTIVATING
6 THE WHATCOM COUNTY WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB2017 -318)
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8 Chris Elder, Planning and Development Services Department, gave a staff report and
9 answered questions.
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11 Councilmembers discussed whether or not to include a sunset clause for the
12 ordinance.
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14 Donovan suggested an amendment tb not delete and amend section 2.118.060 with
15 a sunset date of date of December 31, 2022.
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17 The committee concurred with the amendment.
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19 Weimer moved recommend approval with the amendment.
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21 The motion carried by the following vote:
22 Ayes: Weimer, Sidhu, and Donovan (3)
23 Nays: None (0)
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26 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
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28 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE LAKE
29 WHATCOM STORMWATER UTILITY DISTRICT (ORDINANCE SCHEDULED FOR
30 INTRODUCTION THIS EVENING) (AB2017 -251C)
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32 Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, gave a staff report and answered questions.
33 He stated set the stormwater utility boundaries now, and determine the services and
34 charges in the future with the help of a consultant. They are following the proper public
35 hearing requirements to determine the stormwater utility boundaries. Staff recommends
36 using the term "service area" instead of "district." He submitted a substitute ordinance (on
37 file).
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39 Councilmembers discussed the tasks a consultant would undertake.
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41 Weimer moved to recommend introduction of the substitute ordinance.
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43 The motion carried by the following vote:
44 Ayes: Weimer, Sidhu, and Donovan (3)
45 Nays: None (0)
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47 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING
48 WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.126, CLIMATE IMPACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
49 (ONE OF TWO VERSIONS WILL BE RECOMMENDED FOR INTRODUCTION
50 THIS EVENING) (AB2017 -351)
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52 Weimer described the background of the proposed advisory committee and the two
53 options.
Natural Resources Committee, 11/21/2017, Page 2
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Councilmembers discussed whether it's feasible to achieve 100% use of renewable
energy, setting different goals for different activities, working toward goals without
specifying them in the ordinance language, and including representatives from the cities.
Browne suggested amendments that the advisory committee recommends the
specific goals and that they invite the cities to join the advisory committee.
Weimer moved to recommend introduction of option one with an amendment to
remove just the dates.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Sidhu, and Donovan (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
AD30URN
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
ATTEST:
0
o
Dana Brown - Davis',' Council,`Clerl
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOA COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Todc/Donovah7t-ommittee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 11/21/2017, Page 3