HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil March 12 20191
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council Meeting
March 12, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Rud Browne called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, Todd Donovan, Carol
Frazey and Satpal Sidhu.
Absent: Tyler Byrd.
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MINUTES CONSENT
Buchanan moved to approve the Minutes Consent items.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Byrd (1)
1. MIN2019-020 SPECIAL COUNTY COUNCIL FOR FEBRUARY 20, 2019
2. MIN2019-021 SURFACE WATER WORK SESSION FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2019
3. MIN2019-022 SPECIAL COUNTY COUNCIL FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2019
4. MIN2019-023 REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2019
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. AB2019-162 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ERIC RICHEY TO SHARE HIS
PLATFORM FOR REFORM
Eric Richey, County Prosecutor, submitted and read from a presentation on his goals
and focus in the Prosecutor's Office. He answered questions.
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 1
1 Councilmembers and Mr. Richey discussed the law enforcement assisted diversion
2 (LEAD) program funding, the lack of mental health treatment providers, the potential for
3 young adult court, and being responsive to the community.
4
5
6 PUBLIC HEARINGS
7
8 1. AB2019-021 ORDINANCE GRANTING DEER CREEK WATER ASSOCIATION A
9 FRANCHISE AND THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND AUTHORITY THEREUNDER TO
10 LOCATE, SET, ERECT, LAY, CONSTRUCT, EXTEND, SUPPORT, ATTACH,
11 CONNECT, MAINTAIN, REPAIR, REPLACE, ENLARGE, OPERATE AND USE
12 FACILITIES IN, UPON, OVER, UNDER, ALONG, ACROSS AND THROUGH THE
13 FRANCHISE AREA TO ALLOW FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES
14
15 Brenner reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and stated this item is
16 held in committee.
17
18 Browne opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
19
20 Wendy Harris stated water associations have too much power and not enough
21 oversight. Clarify how they will meet no net loss standards.
22
23 Hearing no one else, Browne closed the public hearing.
24
25
26 OPEN SESSION
27
28 The following people spoke:
29 . Alex MacLean spoke about the Bellingham School District diesel buses parked
30 in the Whatcom Creek buffer.
31 • Michael Chiavarro spoke about proposed changes to the Maple Creek
32 campground and Silver Lake Park.
33 0 Embi Torres spoke about homeless shelter services.
34 • Jaime Douglas spoke about the need for mental health and substance use
35 treatment in the criminal justice system.
36 . Aubrey Stargell spoke about the proposed changes to the Maple Creek
37 campground.
38 . Kathy Sabel spoke on the Comprehensive Plan docket items.
39 0 Marcus D. spoke about homeless shelter services and gun open carry laws.
40 • Amy Glasser spoke about homeless shelter services.
41 • Wendy Harris spoke about protecting Whatcom Creek and the proposed tree
42 harvest at the Maple Creek campground.
43 0 Dana Briggs spoke about climate change.
44 . Susan Hanson spoke about fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, and
45 homeless issues.
46 • Max Perry spoke about the Public Works Department presentation in
47 committee and the docket for the Comprehensive Plan, and County boards
48 and commissions.
49
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51
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 2
1
2
3 1. AB2019-147 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2019-2020 WHATCOM COUNTY
4 BUDGET, REQUEST NO. 3, IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,521
5
6 Sidhu reported for the Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
7 moved to adopt the ordinance.
8
9 The motion carried by the following vote:
10 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
11 Nays: None (0)
12 Absent: Byrd (1)
13
14 2. AB2019-140 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
15 ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
16 AND WHATCOM CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO PROVIDE LAKE WHATCOM
17 HOMEOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF
18 $216,883
19
20 Sidhu reported for the Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
21 moved to approve the request.
22
23 Councilmembers discussed how the money will be spent.
24
25 Tyler Schroeder, Deputy Executive, gave a staff report and answered questions.
26
27 The motion carried by the following vote:
28 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
29 Nays: None (0)
30 Absent: Byrd (1)
31
32 3. AB2019-152 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
33 ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
34 AND CITY OF BELLINGHAM FOR GRACE PROGRAM FUNDING, IN THE
35 AMOUNT OF $140,000
36
37 Sidhu reported for the Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
38 moved to approve the request.
39
40 The motion carried by the following vote:
41 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
42 Nays: None (0)
43 Absent: Byrd (1)
44
45 4. AB2019-157 REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
46 AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF RADIOS AND RELATED ACCESSORIES FROM
47 RACOM CORPORATION, AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR FOR HARRIS RFCD,
48 USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT #02315, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
49 TO EXCEED $59,091.90
50
51 Sidhu reported for the Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
52 moved to approve the request.
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 3
1 The motion carried by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
3 Nays: None (0)
4 Absent: Byrd (1)
5
6 s. AB2019-161 RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL AS A MONTH OF SIKH
7 AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION IN WHATCOM COUNTY
8
9 Sidhu stated this item is held in committee.
10
11
12 FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
13
14 6. AB2019-148 RESOLUTION DOCKETING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
15 DEVELOPMENT REGULATION AMENDMENTS
16
17 Browne reported for Committee of the Whole and referenced a substitute Exhibit A
18 as recommended for approval by the Committee. He submitted a handout of additional
19 potential docket items.
20
21 Browne moved to amend the resolution to add item PLN2019-00010, surface
22 mining pipeline buffer.
23
24 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, answered
25 questions.
26
27 Staff and councilmembers discussed whether they could direct the staff to come up
28 with criteria through the regular mineral resource land (MRL) review process for proximity
29 to pipelines.
30
31 The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
32 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
33 Nays: None (0)
34 Absent: Byrd (1)
35
36 Browne moved to amend the resolution to add item PLN2019-00011, surface
37 mining of dry meander zones.
38
39 The motion was seconded.
40
41 Councilmembers discussed how to get more information on the proposal, the intent
42 of the proposed docket item, the history of dredging and mining river beds, and concerns
43 about negative impacts on salmon spawning habitat.
44
45 The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
46 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, and Sidhu (5)
47 Nays: Donovan (1)
48 Absent: Byrd (1)
49
50 Councilmembers discussed adding language that indicates an MRL designation still
51 requires a separate permitting process to mine.
52
53 (Clerk's Note: There was no motion to approve the substitute resolution.)
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 4
1
2 The Council vote to approve the substitute resolution as amended carried by the
3 following vote:
4 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
5 Nays: None (0)
6 Absent: Byrd (1)
7
8
9 COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
10
11 Browne referenced a request from the Health Department to Councilmembers to
12 send a letter to State legislators requesting that the State public health system be
13 further expanded. He read the letter into the record.
14
15 Donovan moved to approve the letter.
16
17 The motion was seconded.
18
19 The motion carried by the following vote:
20 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
21 Nays: None (0)
22 Absent: Byrd (1)
23
24 Browne stated he wants to write and send a letter of thank you and certificate of
25 appreciation to all the homeless warming shelter volunteers.
26
27 The Counci/members concurred.
28
29
30 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
31
32 1. AB2019-145 APPOINTMENT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY DRAYTON HARBOR
33 SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT COMMITTEE, APPLICANT: JULIE HIRSCH
34 (THE COMMITTEE ADVISES THE COUNTY COUNCIL ON PROPOSED ACTIONS
35 AND OPERATIONS RELATING TO THE RESTORATION OF WATER QUALITY IN
36 THE DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT)
37
38 Donovan moved to appoint Julie Hirsch.
39
40 The motion was seconded.
41
42 The motion carried by the following vote:
43 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
44 Nays: None (0)
45 Absent: Byrd (1)
46
47 2. AB2019-149 APPOINTMENT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY SURFACE MINING
48 ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT POSITION -
49 APPLICANT: SHANNON LOGAN (THE COMMITTEE ADVISES THE PLANNING
50 DEPARTMENT AND THE COUNCIL ON IMPLEMENTING A SURFACE MINING
51 REGULATORY PROGRAM CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN)
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 5
1 Frazey moved to appoint Shannon Logan.
2
3 The motion was seconded.
4
5 The motion carried by the following vote:
6 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
7 Nays: None (0)
8 Absent: Byrd (1)
9
10
11 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
12
13 Buchanan moved to accept the Introduction Items.
14
15 The motion was seconded.
16
17 The motion carried by the following vote:
18 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
19 Nays: None (0)
20 Absent: Byrd (1)
21
22 1. AB2019-150 ORDINANCE INCREASING SHERIFF'S OFFICE PETTY CASH
23 FUND
24
25 2. AB2019-156 ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE 2019-017
26
27 3. AB2019-153 ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 6.04
28 ANIMAL CONTROL, CHAPTER 6.04.020 DEFINITIONS AND 6.04.031
29 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
30
31 4. AB2019-160 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2019 WHATCOM COUNTY
32 BUDGET, REQUEST NO. 4, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,260,652
33
34 5. AB2019-158 RESOLUTION AND PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SUPPORT
35 FOR A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION
36
37 6. AB2019-159 RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION OF THE
38 RELEASE OF COVENANTS ON THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE PLAYGROUND
39 TRACT, BENNETT HILL SUPPLEMENTAL
40
41
42 COMMITTEE REPORTS. OTHER ITEMS. AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
43
44 Committee chairs reported on committee discussions.
45
46 Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report and answered questions on the bid
47 for repairing the jail doors.
48
49 Buchanan referenced a handout (on file) and moved to support the Whatcom
50 County Housing Advisory Committee in creating the Subcommittee on Severe Weather
51 Responses, that will support the homeless population and to create a coordinated
52 comprehensive countywide plan to respond to the needs of people who are homeless during
53 severe weather conditions.
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 6
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The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Byrd (1)
Sidhu reported on the potential closure of the Alaska ferry and the impact to local
businesses and communities along the ferry route. He will bring forward a resolution
regarding the issue.
Councilmembers gave updates on recent activities and upcoming events.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
The Q9tintyiCouncil approved these minutes on March 26, 2019.
ATTES"9�t' r4 ��,°'rsm� s WHATCqM CO COUNCIL
is /v9 WHATC C UN WASHINGTON
Dana .Brown- "RS Council,. clerk Rud Browne, Council Chair
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/12/2019, Page 7