HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council February 13 20181 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Regular County Council Meeting
3
4 February 13, 2018
5
6 CALL TO ORDER
7
8 Council Chair Rud Browne called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
9 Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
10
11 ROLL CALL
12
13
14 Present: Tim Ballew, Barbara Brenner, Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, Tyler
15 Byrd, Todd Donovan, and Satpal Sidhu.
16 Absent: None.
17
18
19 FLAG SALUTE
20
21 ANNOUNCEMENTS
22
23 PUBLIC HEARINGS
24
25 Browne opened the concurrent public hearings for the two agenda items scheduled
26 for public hearing, and the following person spoke:
27
28 Paul Isaacson submitted and read from handouts (on file) and stated the County
29 should consult with the City of Bellingham about their water purveyor policies. He
30 answered questions on whether he supports required hookup to a water purveyor if within a
31 half -mile of the service area.
32
33 Hearing no one else, Browne closed the public hearings.
34
35 1. ORDINANCE (INTERIM) REPEALING ORDINANCE 2017 -057 AND ADOPTING
36 AMENDMENTS TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
37 WHATCOM COUNTY CODE TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION),
38 TITLE 20 (ZONING), TITLE 21 (LAND DIVISION REGULATIONS), AND TITLE
39 24 (HEALTH CODE), RELATING TO WATER RESOURCES (AB2018 -057A)
40
41 Byrd moved to adopt the ordinance.
42
43 The motion was seconded.
44
45 Councilmembers discussed the need to plan for the long -term and incorporating
46 information from the environmental impact statement (EIS), potential for creating different
47 classes of water users, creating water certainty for the entire watershed and all water users
48 and uses, advocating for mitigation dollars, and prioritizing mitigation and flooding at the
49 same time.
50
51 The motion carried by the following vote:
52 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, and Sidhu (6)
53 Nays: Donovan (1)
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 1
1
2 2. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE (INTERIM) (2018 -001) REPEALING ORDINANCE
3 2017 -057 AND ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND WHATCOM COUNTY CODE TITLE 15
5 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION), TITLE 20 (ZONING), TITLE 21 (LAND
6 DIVISION REGULATIONS), AND TITLE 24 (HEALTH CODE), RELATING TO
7 WATER RESOURCES (AB2018 -057) (PROCEDURAL HEARING — ORDINANCE
8 WAS ADOPTED JANUARY 30, 2018)
9
10 OPEN SESSION
11
12 The following people spoke:
13 a Ben Silva spoke about docketing the proposal to create sustainable access for
14 the off road vehicle (ORV) community. He answered questions about current
15 ORV places in Whatcom County.
16 a Dean Crosswhite spoke about docketing the proposal to create sustainable
17 access for the off road vehicle (ORV) community. He answered questions
18 about Walker Valley Road in Skagit County.
19 • Jon Shaughnessy spoke about a proposed HomesNOW project and an
20 upcoming national demonstration day scheduled in state capitals across the
21 country on Mother's Day.
22 . Jim Peterson, HomesNOW President, spoke about a proposed HomesNOW
23 project.
24 . Carmen Gilmore submitted a handout (on file) and spoke about a program to
25 provide lockers for homeless persons to store their belongings.
26 9 John Campbell spoke about a proposed HomesNOW project.
27 0 Doug Gustafson, HomesNOW, spoke about the proposed HomesNOW project.
28 • Dana Carr spoke about the proposed HomesNOW project.
29 • Joanne Pattern spoke about the proposed HomesNOW project.
30 • Robin Dexter spoke about potential mitigation money for water resources,
31 universal metering for exempt wells, and subsidies for farmers.
32 0 Cynthia Livingston spoke about the proposed HomesNOW project.
33 0 Von Ochoa spoke about the proposed HomesNOW project.
34 • Victoria Savage spoke about her past experiences being homeless.
35 0 Marcus D. Stidham spoke about the proposed HomesNOW project.
36
37 CONSENT AGENDA
38
39 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
40 to approve Consent Agenda items one through three.
41
42 The motion carried by the following vote:
43 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
44 Nays: None (0)
45
46 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
47 CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
48 BELLINGHAM TO PROVIDE FOR JOINT USAGE OF THE VACTOR WASTE SITE
49 FACILITY FROM JANUARY 1, 2018, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2018, DUE TO
50 THE RATE INCREASE FROM $54.36/TON TO $147.56/TON (AB2018 -062)
51
52 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
53 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH SOUND BEHAVIORAL
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 2
1 HEALTH ORGANIZATION TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
2 PROGRAM AND TO SUPPORT REGIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACTIVITIES,
3 IN THE AMOUNT OF $957,459 (AB2018 -063)
4
5 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
6 LEASE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
7 CORNWALL CENTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXTENDING THE EXPIRATION
8 DATE TO DECEMBER 31, 2018, FOR LEASING RAW LAND AT THE CIVIC
9 CENTER BUILDING SITE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,778.96, FOR A TOTAL
10 AMENDED LEASE AMOUNT OF $41,411.25 (AB2018 -065)
11
12 OTHER ITEMS
13
14 1. ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO WHATCOM COUNTY CODE TITLE 2,
15 ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL; TITLE 9, PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND
16 WELFARE; TITLE 15, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION; TITLE 16,
17 ENVIRONMENT; TITLE 20, ZONING; TITLE 21, LAND DIVISION
18 REGULATIONS; TITLE 23, SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM; TITLE 24,
19 HEALTH; AND CREATING A NEW TITLE 22, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
20 PROCEDURES, TO RELOCATE AND REVISE PROCEDURES FOR LAND USE AND
21 DEVELOPMENT RELATED PROJECT PERMITS AND LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
22 CODE (AB2018 -056)
23
24 Browne reported for the Special Committee of the Whole and stated this item is held
25 in committee.
26
27 2. RESOLUTION CANCELLING UNCOLLECTIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
28 (AB2018 -060)
29
30 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
31 to approve the resolution.
32
33 The motion carried by the following vote:
34 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, and Sidhu (6)
35 Nays: Byrd (1)
36
37 3. EXECUTIVE LOUWS REQUESTS APPROVAL OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
38 INVESTMENT (EDI) BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING AS
39 PRESENTED IN THE ATTACHED EDI FUND APPLICATIONS AND APPROVAL OF
40 THE HOUSING AFFORDABLE FOR THE WORKFORCE GUIDELINES (AB2018-
41 061)
42
43 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
44 to approve the request.
45
46 Councilmembers discussed creating a ranking system for projects that request
47 economic development investment (EDI) funds.
48
49 The motion carried by the following vote:
50 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
51 Nays: None (0)
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 3
1 4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
2 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND IMAGETREND, INC. FOR
3 SOFTWARE LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, AND ANNUAL FEES TO
4 IMPLEMENT A REGIONAL ELECTRONIC PATIENT CARE REPORTING
5 SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT
6 OF $143,134.20 (AB2018 -064)
7
8 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
9 to approve the request.
10
11 Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions.
12
13 Councilmembers and staff discussed the need to manage tax dollars in the most
14 efficient way possible; creating clear metrics and benchmarks for this and other projects;
15 return on investment and increased billing outcomes; and partnering with the City of
16 Bellingham next year.
17
18 Donovan moved to call the question.
19
20 The motion was seconded.
21
22 The motion to call the question carried by the following vote:
23 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
24 Nays: None (0)
25
26 The motion to approve the request carried by the following vote:
27 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
28 Nays: None (0)
29
30 5. RESOLUTION SETTING WHATCOM COUNTY VETERANS ASSISTANCE
31 PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY INCOME STANDARDS (AB2018 -067A)
32
33 Brenner reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved to approve
34 the resolution.
35
36 Councilmembers thanked Liz Harmon -Craig for her presentation to committee today.
37
38 The motion carried by the following vote:
39 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
40 Nays: None (0)
41
42 6. EXECUTIVE LOUWS REQUESTS APPOINTMENT OF ONE COUNCILMEMBERS TO
43 SERVE ON THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCE
44 COMMITTEE (AB2018 -071)
45
46 Buchanan moved to nominate and appoint Councilmember Brenner.
47
48 The motion was seconded.
49
50 Steve Oliver, County Treasurer, answered questions on the committee's meeting
51 schedule.
52
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 4
1 The motion carried by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
3 Nays: None (0)
4
5 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
6
7 1. APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY ON THE WHATCOM COUNTY PORTAGE BAY
8 SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PARTIAL TERM
9 ENDING 1/31/2019, OR TWO PARTIAL TERMS ENDING 1/31/2021,
10 APPLICANT: ELEANOR HINES (AB2018 -058)
11
12 Brenner moved to nominate and appoint Eleanor Hines.
13
14 The motion was seconded.
15
16 The motion carried by the following vote:
17 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
18 Nays: None (0)
19
20 Browne moved to appoint Eleanor Hines to a partial term ending on January 31,
21 2021.
22
23 The motion was seconded.
24
25 The motion carried by the following vote:
26 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
27 Nays: None (0)
28
29 EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
30
31 1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS,
32 COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS FOR THE YEAR 2018 (AB2018 -068)
33
34 Sidhu moved to confirm the appointments.
35
36 The motion was seconded.
37
38 The motion carried by the following vote:
39 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
40 Nays: None (0)
41
42 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
43
44 Brenner moved to accept Introduction Items one through four.
45
46 The motion was seconded.
47
48 Byrd withdrew item four.
49
50 The motion carried by the following vote:
51 Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
52 Nays: None (0)
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 5
1 1. RECEIPT OF APPLICATION TO FILL VACANCY ON THE WHATCOM COUNTY
2 FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ONE YEAR TERM
3 REPRESENTING IMPACTED CITIES, APPLICANT: JOHN PERRY
4 (APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR ANY OTHER APPLICANTS TO THIS VACANCY
5 IS 10 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 20, 2018) (COMMITTEE ASSISTS AND MAKES
6 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IN PERFORMING
7 FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS, AND
8 MINIMIZING FUTURE FLOOD DAMAGE THROUGH PREVENTION AND
9 MANAGEMENT ON THE NOOKSACK RIVER, ITS WATERSHED, AND THE OTHER
10 WATERSHEDS WITHIN WHATCOM COUNTY) (AB2018 -059)
11
12 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2018 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FOURTH
13 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,443,449 (AB2018 -069)
14
15 3. ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROJECT BUDGET
16 NO. 2 (JAIL IMPROVEMENT FUND) OF THE 2011 BUDGET (AS ESTABLISHED
17 THROUGH ORDINANCE 2011 -031) TO ADD $311,000 OF EXPENDITURE
18 AUTHORITY, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED PROJECT BUDGET AMOUNT OF
19 $3,778,700 (AB2018 -070)
20
21 4. ORDINANCE IMPOSING AN INTERIM MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE
22 AND PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS FOR NEW OR
23 EXPANDED FACILITIES IN THE CHERRY POINT URBAN GROWTH AREA, THE
24 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF WHICH WOULD BE THE SHIPMENT OF UNREFINED
25 FOSSIL FUELS NOT TO BE PROCESSED AT CHERRY POINT (AB2018 -077)
26
27 Brenner moved to accept the Introduction Item.
28
29 The motion was seconded.
30
31 Councilmembers discussed the process for introducing agenda items and beginning
32 the Council meeting on February 27 at 6:00 p.m. so everyone can participate in the planned
33 discussion with Rod Brown from Cascadia Law Group.
34
35 The Council approved by genera/ consent to schedule an early start time for the
36 February 27 regular Council meeting.
37
38 The motion carried by the following vote:
39 Ayes: Ballew, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, and Sidhu (5)
40 Nays: Byrd and Brenner (2)
41
42 COMMITTEE REPORTS OTHER ITEMS AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
43
44 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee.
45
46 2. UPDATE FROM HOMESNOW ON VOLUNTEER EFFORTS TO PROVIDE HOMES
47 AND SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2018 -072)
48
49 Brenner reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved to request
50 that the administration work with HomesNOW at the Homeless Solutions Work Group to
51 move forward with their requests.
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 6
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Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, suggested that they work together at the
Homeless Strategies Work Group.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Sidhu (7)
Nays: None (0)
Byrd reported for the Planning and Development Committee.
Byrd moved to request that staff include cost benefits and clear measurements and
benchmarks on budget requests, and to review time periods when the benchmarks will be
reviewed and determined successful or not.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions on defining expectations.
Councilmembers discussed how certain expenditures won't have an associated cost
benefit or benchmarks, creating expectations for that information, and referring this
discussion to committee.
The Council concurred to refer the item to Finance and Administrative Services
Committee.
Byrd withdrew his motion.
Councilmembers and staff discussed the process for moving forward with the
HomesNOW proposal and gave updates on recent activities and upcoming events.
Jim Peterson and Doug Gustafson, Homes NOW, answered questions.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on April 10, 2018.
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Regular County Council Meeting, 2/13/2018, Page 7