March 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at January 28, 2003 meeting
9. Authorize the executive to enter into a $1,202,441 contract with the Washington State Department of Health for the delivery of health services in Whatcom County? This contact reflects a decrease of $660,000 from the previous contract. The contract provides funding for a number of public health services such as immunizations, WIC (Women Infant Children), maternity services, and public information services. Approved 7-0
10. Authorize the executive to purchase of a variety of road maintenance products from state contracted vendors? The following will be purchased: road striping and beads $375,000; herbicides $90,000; tires $50,000; guardrails and materials $50,000; and rubberized asphalt $40,000. Approved 7-0
11. Authorize the executive to amend a $52,200 contract with Kerr Wood Leidal Associates of North Vancouver, B.C.? This second amendment is for an alluvial fan risk analysis on Jones Creek. The first amendment was for an analysis and mapping work on Canyon Creek. The two amendments bring the total contract amount to $107,000. Approved 7-0
12. Authorize the executive to approve a $10,000 contract amendment with the city of Blaine to provide WRIA 1 support for the year 2003? The contract amendment provides for continuing small cities caucus administration, facilitation and communication support that enables the caucus to participate in the development of the WRIA Watershed Management Plan. Approved 7-0
13. Authorize the executive to approve a $75,000 agreement with Washington State University to implement an Integrated Pest Management Education Research project? The project will develop and conduct necessary research and education for the acceptance and adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in the county. IPM develops and conducts projects such as ecologically based pest management and other education and locally supported on-site research projects. Approved 7-0
14. Set February 11 as the hearing date to declare property surplus? The surplus property including 22 assorted vehicles, office and maintenance equipment will be sold at a public auction. (Resolution 2003-06) Approved 7-0
15. Approve the sale of property in West End Estates at Birch Bay? The property is too small for a building, the buyer wants to landscape and beautify it. (Resolution 2003-07) Approved 7-0
16. Support the city of Bellingham’s priorities for the Olympic pipeline settlement money? Priorities include an independent nonprofit pipeline safety trust, development of Squalicum Way ball fields as a memorial, ongoing environmental restoration, upgrading the county emergency communications system and creation of a coastal protection fund. (Resolution 2003-08) Approved 5-l, Sam Crawford opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
17. Set an election date for the Point Roberts Special Recreation Area? (Resolution 2003-09) Amended (to be continued at February 11 meeting) and approved 7-0.
18. Adopt one openspace/openspace and four openspace/timber applications? The openspace/timber sites are: Maril Solomon for 2l.5 acres above North Shore Road on Sheridan Trail road; Judith Tapley for nine acres off Holtzeimer Road in Blaine; Eric Singleton for 17.5 acres on Bellis Creek Road; John Sand for 5.7 acres off Haynie Road near Custer School Road. The openspace/openspace site is: l90 acres owed by The Trillium Corporation, east of the 2200 block of North Shore Drive. The parcel will be sold to the city of Bellingham for public recreation. (Resolution 2003-10) Approved 6-0, Barbara Brenner out of room.
19. Prohibit unauthorized motorized vehicles on Nooksack River dikes and levees? The Flood Control Advisory Committee reported that such use created erosion to damage the levee system. The committee revised the penalty from a gross misdemeanor to the more serious civil infraction with a misdemeanor charged after the third violation and agreed to fund installation of signs at vehicle access points (Ordinance 2003-02) Adopted 7-0
20. Change the classification for 90 acres in the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area from long-term planning to short- term planning? In the area north of Grandview Road and west of Point Whitehorn Road this allows four houses per acre instead of one house per five acres. The change is consistent with comprehensive plan criteria encouraging infill at urban density next to existing urban development, and with accessibility to public water, sewer and adequate roads. (Ordinance 2003-03) Adopted 7-0
21. Approve rezoning .7 acres in Lake Whatcom watershed from neighborhood commercial to tourist commercial? This would permit the Park Store (or “Scooter Stuff”) on the northwest corner of Park and Blue Canyon roads to sell motorcycle parts, but only under conditions designed to protect Lake Whatcom from pollution. Oil changes would be prohibited as well as storage of other automotive fluids on the premises. (Ordinance 2003-04) Adopted 5-2, Ward Nelson and Dan McShane opposed.
22. Submit to the voters a property tax levy to fund Medic One emergency services? Council decided on a maximum rate of 38.5 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation per year for six years, or $57.75 per year for an owner of a $l50,000 home. The levy will be on the September l6 primary ballot if the Bellingham City Council concurs. (Ordinance 2003-05) Adopted 4-2, Barbara Brenner (see page 2 for comments) and Sam Crawford opposed.
23. Amend the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan to add 12 acres to the Ferndale Urban Growth Area (Olson/Nelle site)? A Planning and Development Services staff report recommended against adding the 12 areas to the Ferndale UGA at the present time. (Ordinance 2003-06) Adopted 5-1, Sharon Roy opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
24. Amend the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan map and associated zoning map for the Lake Samish Watershed? Areas within the Lake Samish Watershed were changed from suburban enclave to rural and the zoning changed to Rural 2A (one home per two acres), Rural 5A (one home per five acres) and Rural Forestry. (Ordinance 2003-07) Adopted 4-2, Barbara Brenner (see page 16 for comments) and Sam Crawford opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
25. Expand a mineral resource land designation (sand, gravel or stone can be extracted) for approximately 16 acres near Telegraph and Minaker Roads? Rick and Debra Benner submitted the application. (Ordinance 2003–08) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
26. Expand a mineral resource land designation (sand, gravel or stone can be extracted) for approximately 69 acres near Telegraph and Minaker Roads? The property is about one and one-third miles south of Sumas. (Ordinance 2003–09) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
27. Expand a mineral resource land designation (sand, gravel or stone can be extracted) for approximately 10 acres at 3022 H Street Road, east of Blaine? (Ordinance 2003–10) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
28. Amend the utility chapter of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan? The 43 amendments concerned policies to guide the review and regulation of utility services. Included were a permitting process, and plans for major utilities to share corridors. (Ordinance 2003–11) Adopted 5-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 16 for comments), Ward Nelson absent.
29. Amend the transportation chapter of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan? Existing traffic conditions and transportation services were assessed before the 27 amendments were developed. The changes were based on forecasts and needs in consideration of future land use, traffic patterns and funding. (Ordinance 2003–12) Adopted 5-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2 for comments), Ward Nelson absent.
30. Amend the economic chapter of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan? The chapter amendments include more citizen involvement in the planning and coordination process. See footnote for the updated goals of the “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies.” (Ordinance 2003-13) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
31. Amend the resource lands chapter of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan relating to agriculture lands? The 14 amendments deal with the retention of the agricultural land base. (Ordinance 2003-14) Adopted 5-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 16 for comments), Ward Nelson absent.
32. Amend the recreation and design chapters of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan? The 17 amendments concern standards for park and trail development, recreation and senior service programs and an action plan for providing park and recreation facilities. (Ordinance 2003-15) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
Footnote
Updated by The Partnership for Sustainable Economy and participating jurisdictions.
A: Finance and maintain appropriate government services and infrastructure for community and economic development including expansion of fiber-optic and wireless Internet services. B: Ensure sustainable development and uses of natural resources. C: Promote a diverse economy by sector and location. D: Foster working relationships among economic development stakeholders at community, state, federal, international and tribal levels. E: Provide and retain a high quality workforce. Recruit small to medium firms. F: Increase public understanding and involvement in economic issues.
