December 2002
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at October 8, 2002 meeting
175. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $53,156 to Acroft Coachworks of Redmond for a 15-passenger bus? It will replace a bus purchased in 1992 and used by the Parks and Recreation Department. Approved 7-0
176. Authorize the executive to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Port of Seattle to take advantage of the port’s agreement with Boise Office Solutions of Kent? This office supply vendor is currently being used by Whatcom County and to change would disrupt what is considered a cost-effective program. The county has expenditures of approximately $225,000 a year on office supplies.
Approved 7-0
177. Authorize the executive to enter into a $38,670 consulting agreement with Nicholls Engineering of Spokane to provide assistance in the construction of a bridge over Hutchinson Creek? The project, 20 miles southeast of Bellingham near Acme, will replace an existing bridge. Assistance includes geotechnical, hydraulic, structural engineering, and technical assistance during construction. Approved 7-0
178. Authorize the executive to enter into a $40,000 consulting agreement with GeoEngineers of Bellingham to study mineral resources? The study will document the short- and long-range availability and location of sand, gravel, and bedrock. Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed.
179. Authorize the executive to enter into a first-time interlocal agreement with Lummi Vocational Rehabilitation Program for the developmentally disabled? The contract will provide ongoing assistance for eligible developmentally disabled in securing and performing jobs ranging from 15-40 hours per week or for volunteer activities in the community and is funded by state and federal grants. The contract runs from 9/15/02 to 6/30/03, and can be extended for one year depending on funding and performance. Approved 7-0
Action Taken at October 22, 2002 meeting
180. Authorize the executive to purchase 8.61 acres of property within the floodway on the South Fork of the Nooksack River? The council set a purchase price limit of $301,000. William Follis will appraise the property. The appraisal will clear the way for a matching grant that is referred to as a surfboard grant because it comes from water resources funds. Amended and approved 7-0
181. Authorize the executive to amend an agreement with the state Department of Social and Health Services? The amendment (a grant from the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse) for fiscal year 7/1/02—6/30/03 will add $110,000 to the existing $52,299 for a total of $162,299 to be used by the county drug court. Approved 7-0
182. Authorize the executive to amend an agreement with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle for phase two of the Nooksack River bank stabilization project? The first phase cost $40,518 and analyzed the riverbank near Ritter Road and provided four options to stop the bank from eroding. Phase two would build pile-supported wing dams along the eroding bank. This design and permitting phase would cost $93,786 for a total of $134,304 in pre-construction costs. Failed 3-4, Seth Fleetwood, Dan McShane, Laurie Caskey-Schreiber and Sharon Roy opposed.
183. Adopt the 2003 annual road construction program? Twenty-eight projects are prioritized from the county’s six-year transportation plan passed in July (September 2002, vote 124, page 13) of this year. Included are bridge replacements and road improvements with an estimated cost of $9,530,000, and will be part of the 2003 budget. (Resolution 2002-42) Approved 7-0
184. Establish Whatcom County Council meeting dates for 2003? The council will meet every other Tuesday, except for Wednesday, November 12 and the months of August and December when they will meet once. (Resolution 2002-43) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed.
185. Change the zoning text (Whatcom County Code 20.38) to amend the agricultural protection overlay regulations? These regulations were originally adopted May l997 to preserve agricultural potential of parcels 20 acres or larger in rural five and l0 acre zones. This amendment would allow properties with 50 percent or more irretrievably committed for non-agricultural use before May l997 to be considered as no longer suitable for agriculture. (Ordinance 2002-60) Adopted 7-0
186. Pass an emergency ordinance establishing additional criteria for siting mushroom composting? It requires a minimum setback of at least 500 feet surrounding a facility, and elimination of nuisance level odor emissions by following strict specifications. These include scrubbers, filters and enclosed buildings for all composting activities. This ordinance takes effect immediately, with a public hearing held on November 26 regarding permanent criteria. (Ordinance 2002-6l) Adopted 7-0
