October-November 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
by Complied by League of Women VotersÂ’ Council Watchers
Action Taken at August 26, 2003 Special Meeting
148. Impose a 180-day moratorium on accepting new applications for the subdivision of land into parcels smaller than five acres within the Lake Samish Watershed? A moratorium was first passed on 1/15/02, vote 13; imposed for 180 days on 2/12/02, vote 40; extended on 7/30/02, vote 139 and the watershed was rezoned* on 2/28/03, vote 24. A public hearing on this extension was held on September 9, 2003. (Ordinance 2003-44) Adopted 5-1, Sam Crawford opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
*rezoned from one home per two acres to one home per five acres. The rezone has been appealed to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board, and the rezone was recently upheld there.
Action Taken at September 9, 2003 MEETING
149. Approve a one-year extension for a planned unit development/conditional use permit for the Resort at Lilly Point at Point Roberts? The Whatcom County Hearing Examiner granted a one-year extension with the expiration date of August 4, 2003. The planning and development services department recommended a one-year extension to expire on August 4, 2004, with no further extensions. Failed 2-5, Sam Crawford and Barbara Brenner approved (see article below).
150. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $241,031 to Bosman Fuels of Bellingham for petroleum fuel? This is the annual purchase of diesel and unleaded fuel for use in county equipment and vehicles. Actual expenditures could vary depending on consumption and the increase or decrease in price. (AB2003-293) Approved 7-0
151. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $217,450 to Western Power and Equipment of Auburn for the purchase of a truck-mounted excavator? It will replace a truck-mounted excavator with 8,910 hours. (AB2003-294) Approved 7-0
152. Authorize the executive to award low bids of $123,061 for three replacement vehicles? Two trucks will be purchased from Diehl Ford of Bellingham for $41,703. They will replace trucks with 102,455 and 111,485 miles. (AB2003-295) Approved 7-0. One diesel dump truck will be purchased from Valley Freightliner of Mount Vernon for $81,358. It will replace a truck with 151,000 miles. (AB2003-296) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see article below).
153. Authorize the executive to enter into a $100,000 contract with Brown and Caldwell of Seattle to assist with flood control plans? The contact runs from 9/1/03–12/31/04 and Brown and Caldwell will help county staff in evaluating alternative flood control plans for the Lower Nooksack River from Deming to Bellingham Bay. (AB2003-297) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see article below).
154. Authorize the executive to enter into a $100,000 contract with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle to assist with flood control plans? The contact runs from 9/1/03–12/31/04 and Hydraulic Consultants will help county staff in evaluating alternative flood control plans for the Lower Nooksack River from Deming to Bellingham Bay. (AB2003-298) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see article below).
155. Authorize the executive to enter into a land-use alliance with Crown Pacific? The Bay to Baker Trail abuts Crown Pacific property for about 10.5 miles, and hikers, bicyclers and horses currently meander onto the Crown Pacific land because of drainage and terrain problems on the trail. This alliance will enable the county to develop and maintain portions of Crown Pacific land adjacent to the trail until the county has the money to fix the trail. (AB2003-303) Approved 7-0
156. Authorize the executive to receive $271,792 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy development rights from Whatcom County farmers? Originally, the county only expected to receive $73,500, but the larger amount became available. (AB2003-304) Amended and Approved 7-0
157. Approve expenditures of funds from timber sales in national forests? Federal law requires that 80 percent must go for public schools and roads. This vote allocates the other 20 percent to improve the health of federal land and water systems, like salmon enhancement. The resource advisory committee, which includes representatives from both Skagit and Whatcom counties and the U.S. Forest Service, will determine the distribution of the funds. (Resolution 2003-52) Approved 7-0
158. Authorize the executive to apply for a matching grant from the state to build a containment wall at the county rifle range? The grant would build a steel wall for the pistol range used by both the public and law enforcement. Logging and development have made the current conditions unsafe. (Resolution 2003-53) Approved 7-0
159. Set September 23 as the public hearing date for three foreclosure properties? Owners of these properties have been tax delinquent for three years, so the property will be auctioned for not less than taxes, interest penalty, title search and foreclosure costs. Request 6-03 is a lot at Glenhaven Lakes for not less than $1,143. (Resolution 2003-54); Request 7-03 is Unit 201 in the Cobana Club at 7530 Birch Bay Drive for not less than $1,530. (Resolution 2003-55); Request 8-03 is Unit 208 in the Cobana Club at 7530 Birch Bay Drive for not less than $859. (Resolution 2003-56) Approved 7-0
160. Approve 2003 budget request #9 for $24,305. The sum includes a Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant for $16,437 that will partially fund the Whatcom County DUI task force through June 30,2005. A $7,868 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was not used; the sheriff’s department requested the funds. (Ordinance 2003-45) Approved 7-0
