HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil March 26 2019WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council Meeting
March 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Rud Browne called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Carol
Frazey, and Satpal Sidhu.
Absent: Todd Donovan.
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, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
1. MIN2019-024 Regular County Council for January 29, 2019 (Amended)
2. MIN2019-026 Special Committee of the Whole for March 12, 2019
3. MIN2019-029 County Council for March 12, 2019
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AB2019-153 ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 6.04
ANIMAL CONTROL, CHAPTER 6.04.020 DEFINITIONS AND 6.04.031
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Browne opened the public hearing, and hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Brenner moved to adopt the ordinance.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 1
2. AB2019-158 RESOLUTION AND PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SUPPORT
FOR A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION
(Clerk's Note: The CDBG required handouts were included in the Council's packet
and available to the public at the public hearing.)
Browne opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
Sheri Emerson, Opportunity Council Associate Director, stated she supports the grant
and described the project.
Hearing no one else, Browne closed the public hearing.
Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
3. AB2019-159 RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION OF THE
RELEASE OF COVENANTS ON THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE PLAYGROUND
TRACT, BENNETT HILL SUPPLEMENTAL
Browne opened the public hearing, and the following people spoke:
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, gave a staff report and introduced
representatives of the school district.
Greg Baker and Ron Cowan, Bellingham School District, gave a PowerPoint
presentation on the location of the property, the covenant on the playground tract, and
challenges with the property to build a new school. They answered questions.
Councilmembers, staff, and the presenters discussed the valuation of the property,
the condition of the existing playground, feedback from the neighborhood, and permitting
and zoning with the County.
Jacqueline Sterna stated she would like to know if there are plans for a school
garden on the property.
Hearing no one else, Browne closed the public hearing.
Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
Browne moved to accept the upgrade of the playground facilities as sufficient
consideration for releasing the easement.
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 2
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The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
• Dana Briggs spoke about climate change demonstrations.
• Bob Burr submitted a handout (on file) and spoke about
issues.
• Patrick Alesse spoke about the good work of people who
institutions
CONSENT AGENDA
climate change
work in public
Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve Consent Agenda items two through six. Item one is withdrawn from
the agenda.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
Nays: None(0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
1. AB2019-164 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM
COUNSELING AND PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC, INC. AND T-MOBILE WEST LLC FOR
THIRD AMENDMENT TO SITE EASEMENT WITH OPTIONS
2. AB2019-165 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WHATCOM COUNTY AND REISNER
DISTRIBUTORS, INC., TO PROVIDE CARD LOCK FUEL SERVICES FOR
WHATCOM COUNTY FLEET VEHICLES AT PACIFIC PRIDE FUELING STATIONS
IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000
3. AB2019-166 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MT.
CONSTITUTION SITES, INC, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MT. CONSTITUTION
RADIO TOWER LEASE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,655.05
4. AB2019-170 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO OBLIGATE FEDERAL
CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR THE GUARDRAIL SAFETY PROGRAM, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $805,000
5. AB2019-174 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PUBLIC
SAFETY TESTING, INC. TO CONDUCT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS ON
CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $42,000
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 3
1 6. AB2019-177 REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO
2 ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
3 WATERSHED COMPANY TO ASSIST IN THE PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE
4 SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000
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6 OTHER ITEMS
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8 1. AB2019-150 ORDINANCE INCREASING SHERIFF'S OFFICE PETTY CASH
9 FUND
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11 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
12 moved to adopt the ordinance.
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14 The motion carried by the following vote:
15 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
16 Nays: None (0)
17 Absent: Donovan (1)
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19 2. AB2019-160 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2019 WHATCOM COUNTY
20 BUDGET, REQUEST NO. 4, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,260,652
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22 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee, which
23 included one amendment approved by committee, to remove item 2701, funding for
24 repairs to the Plantation Rifle Range. He moved to adopt the ordinance.
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26 Brenner moved to amend to remove budget item five as shown on packet page 28,
27 in the amount of $85,000, and hold it for two weeks to get more information.
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29 The motion to amend was seconded.
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31 Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions.
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33 Councilmembers and staff discussed funding Point Roberts solid waste facilities
34 improvements, whether the storage building is a part of the contract, how long the County
35 has contracted the space to any solid waste disposal contractor, the acceptance of
36 hazardous materials, whether the County owns a building that Nooksack Disposal Services
37 uses, and the County subsidizing costs and guaranteeing revenue.
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39 The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
40 Ayes: Buchanan, Brenner, and Byrd (3)
41 Nays: Sidhu, Browne, and Frazey (3)
42 Absent: Donovan (1)
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44 Frazey moved to amend to remove item 2701, funding for repairs to the Plantation
45 Rifle Range.
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47 The motion was seconded.
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49 The following Parks Department staff answered questions:
50 Christ Thomsen
51 Mike McFarlane, Director
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53 Councilmembers discussed the possibility of holding this item for two weeks for more
54 information and asking the administration to bring it forward in a new ordinance, the cost of
55 running the facility, whether the services can be provided at another gun range facility, the
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 4
1 possibility of transferring ownership or operation to a private non-profit, problems with
2 asbestos, and the use of grant funds.
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4 The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
5 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
6 Nays: None (0)
7 Absent: Donovan (1)
8
9 The motion to adopt as amended carried by the following vote:
10 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, and Sidhu (4)
11 Nays: Brenner and Byrd (2)
12 Absent: Donovan (1)
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14 3. AB2019-156 ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE 2019-017
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16 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
17 moved to adopt the ordinance.
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19 The motion carried by the following vote:
20 Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
21 Nays: None (0)
22 Absent: Donovan (1)
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24 4. AB2019-161 RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL AS A MONTH OF SIKH
25 AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION IN WHATCOM COUNTY
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27 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
28 moved to approve the resolution.
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30 Councilmembers spoke about supporting the Sikh community and whether it's wise
31 to support a specific religion or ethnic group through a resolution.
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33 Sidhu moved to amend to what Councilmember Frazey said about identity. There
34 was no second to the motion.
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36 Sidhu moved to hold in Council for two weeks. Councilmembers should submit
37 proposed amendments to the Clerk of the Council.
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39 The motion was seconded.
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41 The motion to hold in Council carried by the following vote:
42 Ayes: Brenner, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Browne and Sidhu (6)
43 Nays: None (0)
44 Absent: Donovan (1)
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46 5. AB2019-191 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RETAINING THE ALASKA
47 MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM BETWEEN BELLINGHAM AND ALASKA
48 DESTINATIONS
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50 Sidhu reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
51 moved to approve the resolution.
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53 Councilmembers discussed whether the letter would need to come back before the
54 Council for approval.
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Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 5
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The motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
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Nays: None (0)
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Absent: Donovan (1)
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6.
AB2019-163 REQUEST APPROVAL TO CHANGE THE START TIME OF HEALTH
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BOARD MEETINGS TO 10 A.M.
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Buchanan moved to approve the request.
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The motion was seconded.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
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Nays: None (0)
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Absent: Donovan (1)
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7.
AB2019-199 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HOUSE BILL 1023, ALLOWING
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CERTAIN ADULT FAMILY HOMES TO INCREASE BED CAPACITY FROM SIX TO
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EIGHT
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Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
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The motion was seconded.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
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Nays: None (0)
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Absent: Donovan (1)
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INTRODUCTION
ITEMS
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Brenner moved to accept the Introduction Items, including the substitute for
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item
4(a), the ordinance amending the Business and Commerce Advisory
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Committee (AB2019-187).
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The motion was seconded.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, and Sidhu (6)
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Nays: None (0)
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Absent: Donovan (1)
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1.
AB2019-167 ORDINANCE GRANTING GLENHAVEN LAKES CLUB INC. A
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FRANCHISE AND THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND AUTHORITY THEREUNDER TO
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LOCATE, SET, ERECT, LAY, CONSTRUCT, EXTEND, SUPPORT, ATTACH,
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CONNECT, MAINTAIN, REPAIR, REPLACE, ENLARGE, OPERATE AND USE
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FACILITIES IN, UPON, OVER, UNDER, ALONG, ACROSS AND THROUGH THE
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FRANCHISE AREA TO ALLOW FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES
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2.
AB2019-176 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FERRY SYSTEM PETTY CASH
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REVOLVING FUND FROM $1800.00 TO $3300.00
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3.
AB2019-184 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROJECT BUDGET FOR THE EAST
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WHATCOM REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT IN THE
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AMOUNT OF $115,000
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 6
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4(a). AB2019-187 ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER
2.128, BUSINESS AND COMMERCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO AMEND
MEMBERSHIP
4(b). AB2019-183 ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE SECTION
1.14, CORRECTING CERTAIN PRECINCT BOUNDARYLINES AND PRECINCT
MAPS (SECOND AMENDMENT)
Committee Chairs reported on committee discussions.
Councilmembers gave updates on recent activities and upcoming events.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Th;au+ty, Council approved these minutes on April 9, 2019.
ATTEST.""..' ' KII C C). W HATCO C U NTY
WHATCO C UN
Dana Bib 4 ,iris; 9uncil Clerk Rud E�rbwne, Council Chair
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
CO NCIL
W SHINGTON
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/26/2019, Page 7