April 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at February 11, 2003 meeting
33. Authorize the executive to enter into a $10,000 contract with the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County for the year 1/1/03—12/31/03? This will continue the administration, facilitation and communication of the supporting services for the land development caucus of Water Resource Inventory Area #1. Approved 7-0
34. Authorize the executive to enter into a $138,000 (phase 1) contract with KPFF Consulting Engineers of Seattle to replace a Lake Whatcom Blvd. bridge? The bridge (over a creek that does not have a name) near Sudden Valley will be replaced in two phases: Phase 1 involves decisions on type and size of the bridge, location and roadway approach alignment, a geotechnical analysis, and a topographic survey. Approved 7-0
35. Amend the 2003 annual road construction program for the replacement of the Jackson Road bridge over Terrell Creek? The amendment will allow the replacement of 19 foot girders with 30 foot girders which changes the work classification from “maintenance’’ to “construction,” reducing project time, cost and impact to the traveling public and the environment. (Resolution 2003-11) Approved 7-0
36. Authorize the sale of surplus county property? Pursuant to Whatcom County Code 1.10, those items that are unlikely to be used by the county include 22 vehicles, office and maintenance equipment? (Resolution 2003-12) Approved 7-0
37. Allow Point Roberts to hold a special election for a tax levy? The levy would finance the construction of a pier that the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce believes would encourage tourism. (Resolution 2003-13) Approved 7-0
38. Cancel uncollectible property taxes totaling $4,528? Uncollectible taxes, some going back to 1995, include $3,902 for 14 equipment and machinery tax parcels for businesses that are no longer operating or bankrupt, and $626 for four mobile home tax parcels (the homes are destroyed, of no value or gone). (Resolution 2003-14) Approved 7-0
39. Schedule items A through J for comprehensive plan and zoning amendments? Items A, B, C, F and I were selected for further review and D, E, G and J were not selected for review. See footnote for details. (Resolution 2003-15) Approved 7-0
40. Approve recommendations for open space designations? The applications for open space/timber are the estate of Mayfair Clauson (9.92 acres), Scott Walker (20 acres), Janet Walker (20 acres), and Alton and Diana James, (7.6 acres); for one updated open space timber/timber management plan for the Lummi Island Heritage Trust for 7.59 acres; and for one open space/open space application for Steven Nolte for 8 acres. The designation open space/open space is based on a public benefit rating system; open space/timber is rated according to seven criteria and now requires a timber management plan to be submitted with the application. (Resolution 2003-16) Approved 7-0
41. Approve the request by the Absorption Corporation for the issuance of revenue bonds by the state of Washington? The bonds will finance the purchase of land and the construction and equipping of a facility in the 4300 block of Curtis Road for the manufacture of animal pet bedding. As the planning jurisdiction, Whatcom County must approve the request, but is not liable for any repayment of the bonds. (Resolution 2003-17) Approved 7-0
42. Approve the transfer of the franchise to operate a cable television system in the county? The franchise will be transferred from Northland Cable Properties Partnership to WaveDivision 1. The franchise was initially granted to Country Cable TV in 1992, which thereafter sold its interest to Northland which then sold its ownership interest within the county to WaveDivision 1, a Washington limited liability company, with a subsequent sale of all ownership interests to Wave to Wave Division Holdings, a Delaware LLC. (Ordinance 2003-16) Adopted 7-0
43. Approve 2003 budget request #1 in the amount of $51,357? Appropriate money from the jail budget to fund a second inmate work crew to create and restore waterways for salmon designed by the county Public Works Department. (Ordinance 2003-17) Amended and adopted 7-0
Action Taken at February 25, 2003 Meeting
44. Authorize the executive to enter into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for levee repair? Flooding on Jan. 7 and Feb. 22, 2002 caused damage to the Nooksack River levee upstream from the Hannegan Road Bridge. The cost ($217,000) will be shared by the county ($43,400) and the federal government ($l73,600). (AB2003-101) Approved 7-0
45. Cancel uncollectible personal property taxes totaling $863.28? The mobile home tax was uncollectible because the home has no value. (Resolution 2003-18) Approved 7-0
46. Support the Kendall Community Resource Center as one of Whatcom County’s top projects for consideration by the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team? The goals of the center are to supply training and education services to help revitalize the foothills area. The council prioritized projects for the yearly state funding consideration. (Resolution 2003-19) Approved 7-0
47. Amend Whatcom County Code 8.10, Solid Waste and Residential Recycling Collection? Removal of the “sunset” clause allows changes to be recommended to the council as needed. Name changes for two of the certified haulers were included. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommended the changes. (Ordinance 2003-18) Adopted 7-0
48. Approve 2003 budget request #2 in the amount of $32,477? The request is for equipment and training in the sheriff’s office. The money is a federal block grant and will be added to the 2003 sheriff’s budget of $8,6l3,225. (Ordinance 2003-l9) Adopted 7-0
49. Amend Whatcom County Code 3.05.010, Tort and Damage Claims? The clerk of the council will receive all tort claims (lawsuits for county damages); copies will be forwarded to the county executive and prosecuting attorney. (Ordinance 2003-20) Adopted 7-0
