HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2025-008eN-
Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2025-082
File ID: AB2025-082 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 01/14/2025 Entered by: jsmiley@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Public Works File Type: Resolution
Department
Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole Final Action: 01/28/2025
Agenda Date: 01/28/2025 Enactment #: RES 2025-008
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: SDraper@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution adopting the Lake Whatcom Management Program (LWMP) 2025 - 2029 Work Plan
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Please see attached memo
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
01/28/2025 Council Committee of the Whole RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
01/28/2025 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Attachments: Staff Memo, Proposed Resolution, Proposed Work -Plan, Presentation
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 112912025
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INTRODUCED:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF BELLINGHAM CITY COUNCIL, WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL, AND
LAKE WHATCOM WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING
THE LAKE WHATCOM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2025-2029 WORK PLAN
WHEREAS, in 1992 and again in 1998 the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County and
the precursor to the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District jointly formed the Lake
Whatcom Management Program (LWMP) and declared their intention to work together to
protect and manage Lake Whatcom; and
WHEREAS, the three Lake Whatcom Management Program jurisdictions have adopted
five previous five-year plans that have provided a framework for program cooperation and
implementation of joint activities, and which have resulted in improved water quality and
environmental conditions of the lake; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2025-2029 Work Plan defines
the major activities and investments needed to continue improving and protecting water
quality in the lake and its tributary streams and watershed health during the next five
years, through twelve established program areas: land preservation, stormwater, land use,
monitoring and data, hazardous materials, recreation, aquatic invasive species, utilities and
transportation, education and engagement, administration, climate action, and forest
management; and
WHEREAS, Lake Whatcom Management Program staff developed the LWMP 2025-
2029 Work Plan to address TMDL requirements, preserve and protect Lake Whatcom water
quality and watershed health and provide for tracking and reporting outcomes, and
WHEREAS, the draft 2025-2029 LWMP Work Plan was shared with the public for
public comment from July 25, 2024 to August 25, 2024; and
WHEREAS, staff have incorporated public comments into the 2025-2029 Work Plan
Page 1
and provided responses to each of the 307 comments in a publicly available comment
matrix; and
WHEREAS, The Lake Whatcom Policy Group includes representatives from the
Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
District Board of Commissioners, and the Sudden Valley Community Association Board and
provides informal feedback to staff. Staff provided overviews, presentations, and updates to
the Lake Whatcom Policy Group on February 1, 2024, April 24, 2024, June 5, 2024, July 10,
2024, September 18, 2024 and December 20, 2024 and received feedback and guidance.
WHEREAS, the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) is a City of Bellingham
Advisory Board charged with helping to inform and guide the City's planning and policy
regarding the protection and management of water resources, including municipal water,
sewer, surface and stormwater systems, controls, rates, and drinking water source
protection. Staff provided updates, presentations and discussions on the LWMP 2025-2029
Work Plan on July 23, 2024, September 24, 2024, and November 26, 2024; and
WHEREAS, on November 26, 2024, the WRAB approved a resolution supporting City
Council approval of the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2025-2029 Work Plan.
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council hereby adopts the
Lake Whatcom Management Program 2025-2029 Work Plan as the framework for joint
management of the lake and for achieving necessary milestones to improve water quality in
the lake.
'V AP ES 21 dd'a,�,of January 2025.
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Cathy Halka, Cldrka4 't e'Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Kayfee G4floway, Council Ch it
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Christopher Quinn, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - Civil Division
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