HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2021-015• Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2021-234
File ID: AB2021-234 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 04/06/2021 Entered by: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Final Action: 04/06/2021
Agenda Date: 04/06/2021 Enactment#: RES 2021-015
Primary Contact Email: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution to review and enhance opportunities for public participation in Whatcom County
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
The Council received a request fi•om the Planning Commission to review options to increase
county -wide public participation opportunities. This resolution sets up first steps for reviewing current
practices and identifying ideas for improvements.
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
04/06/2021 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Attachments: Proposed Resolution
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 41712021
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PROPOSED BY: PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFTED BY: DONOVAN
INTRODUCTION DATE: APRIL 6, 2021
RESOLUTION 2021- 015
TO REVIEW AND ENHANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN
WHATCOM COUNTY
WHEREAS, A 2016 report by the County Council's Legislative Analyst found that
Whatcom County has over 40 active boards, committees and commissions; and
WHEREAS, over 300 Whatcom County residents volunteer their time on boards and
committees that advise the County Executive and County Council; and,
WHEREAS, the 2016 report determined that for most committees, it is difficult to
recruit members; and,
WHEREAS, these boards and committees should provide a forum for residents to
interact with and influence their government in a meaningful way; and,
WHEREAS, County Council meetings should provide a forum for residents to interact
with and influence their government in a meaningful way; and,
WHEREAS; the Whatcom County Council and Executive rely on these boards and
committees for advice on policy; and,
WHEREAS, it may be difficult for some members of the public to be aware of
matters that come before the boards, committees and commissions, and matters that the
Planning Commission and County Council address; and,
WHEREAS, online meetings associated with COVID pandemic and have altered how
people interact with their government and present opportunities to rethink how the public
may engage with government; and,
WHEREAS, there are myriad methods of recruiting people to volunteer for boards
and committees;
WHEREAS, there are myriad methods of notifying the public about the business of
their government; and,
WHEREAS, there are many potential ways that commissions, boards, and Council
can be assisted by Council and Executive staff in order to increase public participation; and,
WHEREAS, there is a wealth of talent in the public and among County staff to advise
on how to enhance public participation in meetings of boards, committees, commissions,
and Council meetings; and,
WHEREAS, the County Executive has expressed a willingness to helping to identify
staff who can help advise on these matters;
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NOW, THEREFORE, RE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council will work
with the County Executive to address the issue of public participation in our local
government and support recommendations for improvements; and,
RE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The Chair of the Council and the County Executive
may identify staff and citizens to form an ad -hoc group of limited duration; and,
E IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this group may survey members of all the County
boards, committees, and commissions regarding public participation in their meetings; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the group may make recommendations to the
Council on the following and related issues:
1. Effectiveness of traditional methods of "notice" in light of the changing ways
individual's access news and information.
2. Needs and opportunities for public education on the issues addressed by local
government so that citizens can be more effective in their participation.
3. The use of remote meeting technologies to increase ease of participation beyond the
current public health crisis.
4. The mechanics of navigating and accessing policy and legislation on the county
website.
5. The public comment process and accessibility.
6. Evaluation of all public participation processes and procedures through an equity
lens.
�NPP AOVEP`this 6th
r
t �
C'OV' w'
day of April , 2021.
"tuna `Br 1y'_ QaKis:;,Clierk of the Council
APPROVED M TO FORM:
Approved via email by Karen Frakes / LB
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair