April 2004
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at January 27, 2004 Meeting
Shall the council:
20. Approve the study, by Geo-Engineers of Bellingham, of the county’s mineral resources? The study documented the short- and long-range availability, location and quality of sand, gravel and bedrock. (Resolution 2004-06) Approved 7-0
21. Amend membership categories for the public health advisory board? The health board (county council members) and public health advisory board members suggested revisions that would broaden some categories in order to fill all board positions. One change would be to add “or ethnic minority” to the current position of “one tribal member.” (Ordinance 2004-04) Amended and adopted 7-0
22. Approve 2004 budget request #1 in the amount of $629,192? It appropriates $7,345 for extra park help; $60,597 for building services to hire one full time and one part time employee; $62,600 to one and one half time planner positions in the land use division; $423,650 to hire two additional planning employees for one and one half years to update shoreline master program; and $75,000 to complete a review of comprehensive plan and comply with the Growth Management Act. (Ordinance 2004-05) Adopted 7-0
23. Change the name of a County Council committee? Change the name of the Public Works and Capital Project Committee to Public Works and Safety. This will allow criminal justice issues to be moved from the finance committee to the new committee. (Ordinance 2004-06) Adopted 7-0
Action Taken at February 10, 2004 Meeting
Shall the council:
24. Authorize the executive to enter into a $35,000 contract with RE Sources for waste reduction and recycling? RE Sources will design and implement a program to help businesses save money and resources through waste reduction and recycling. (AB 2004-89) Approved 4-2, Sharon Roy and Barbara Brennan opposed, Ward Nelson out of room.
25. Authorize the executive to enter into a $43,457 contract with Shearer Design of Seattle to design a bridge on Frost Road? Frost Road has been closed since December 2001, because of a failed culvert. The bridge will replace the culvert. (AB 2004-92) Approved 5-2, Laurie Caskey–Schreiber and Dan McShane opposed.
26. Authorize the executive to accept a $495,505 grant from the state for solid waste programs? The grant is for schools and educating the general public, funding the toxins disposal facility, recycling hotlines, solid waste and litter enforcement for the years 2004 and 2005. The total expenditure is $660,674 with the county contributing $l65,l58 or 25 percent. (AB 2004-93) Approved 7-0
27. Authorize the executive to enter into a $145,000 contract with Pictometry International Corporation of Rochester, New York, for aerial imaging software? This two-year contract gives the county a license to use Pictometry’s software to view aerial images at twelve different angles. It will be used to comply with the Shoreline Management Act and facilitate a more efficient review of permits and development proposals. (AB2004-94) Approved 7-0
28. Authorize the executive to purchase seven replacement vehicles for $150,823? Purchase three light utility vehicles for $65,141 from Bud Clary Chevrolet of Longview. They replace vehicles with 94,000–115,000 miles. Purchase four gas/electric hybrid vehicles for $85,682 from Bud Clary Toyota of Yakima. They replace vehicles with 89,000–101,000 miles. (AB 2004-95/AB 2004-96) Approved 7-0
29. Should the council officially oppose Substitute House Bill 2340? The Whatcom County Council wishes to maintain local authority to locate transmission lines through designated corridors. The bill would give utilities the option to request siting electric power lines through the state Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council. (Resolution 2004-08) Amended and approved 7-0
30. Initiate comprehensive plan and zoning amendments for 2004? Seven amendments were proposed and these three were approved for docketing: 2004-A1; 2004-C2; 2004-E.3 (Resolution 2004-09) Amended and approved 6-1, Sam Crawford opposed.
31. Adopt amendments to the Whatcom County zoning ordinance to establish rules for transfer of development rights? The changes4 spell out the process and will avoid transfer of property that would not be developed because of other restrictions. (Ordinance 2004-07) Adopted 7-0
1 2004-A: To begin the review and revision of the comprehensive plan for the whole county to comply with the Growth Management Act and reflect new priorities. The review includes urban growth areas, airport/land use compatibility, housing, capital facilities, transportation, mineral resource lands and recreation.
2 2004-C: To amend the maps and text of the Urban Fringe Subarea plan and portions of the county comprehensive plan that relate to the Bellingham Urban Growth Area, including the evaluation of whether or not the UGA should be expanded to encompass the “five-year review areas” including the Caitac property.
3 2004-E: To amend the comprehensive plan map from rural to transportation corridor and to amend the zoning map from R5A to general commercial for 4.73 acres near the southwest corner of Guide and Axton Road for applicant Dana Johnson.
4 Require that an applicant transfer the rights to a designated receiving area before applying for any other possible density bonuses. Encumbered properties (properties classified, for example, as wetlands) will not be considered for development rights. One amendment provides for “in lieu” cash payments for purchase or transfer of development rights, but how this works is not yet formulated. A development bank is to be administered by an oversight committee that will establish further procedures. The current zoning map amendment process will be the method for establishing additional receiving areas for transfer of development rights. And new areas zoned for higher density must consider transferred rights in the zoning process.
Action Taken at February 24, 2004 Meeting
Shall the council:
32. Reimburse developer Loyd Hodges $39,575 for paving Mission Road? The developer spent $72,282 paving the road and his share of the cost was $32,527. Hodges was required to pave Mission Road north of Kelly Road because the houses he built will increase traffic on the road.5 (AB2003-369A) Approved 7-0
33. Authorize the executive to enter into a $190,000 amended contract with the Whatcom Conservation District for riparian restoration? The district will supply technical assistance and oversight for restoration work supporting riparian restoration on drainage districts and county flood projects. (AB 2004-110) Approved 7-0
34. Authorize the executive to amend an $76,240 agreement with Kerr Wood Leidal Associates of North Vancouver? The total contract of $183,240 provides for Canyon and Jones Creeks alluvial fan analyses and completion of the management plan for the Swift Creek alluvial fan. (AB 2004-111) Approved 7-0
35. Authorize the executive to amend an agreement with the Port of Bellingham (2/3/04, vote 25) on the Blaine Harbor pilot project? The county will pay an additional $20,000 (total $26,000) to determine the impact of bird populations on water quality in the harbor. Monitoring shows high levels of fecal coliform in the harbor. (AB 2004-113) Approved 7-0
36. Sell at public auction 10 Sudden Valley tax foreclosure properties? The lots have restrictive covenants that prevent building on the property and will be sold for not less than back taxes, interest penalty, title search and foreclosure costs. The properties are: Request 09-03, $893.95 (Resolution 2004-10); Request 10-03, $970.21 (Resolution 2004-11); Request 11-03, $803.89 (Resolution 2004-12); Request 12-03, $876.35 (Resolution 2004-13); Request 13-03, $876.35 (Resolution 2004-14); Request 14-03, $876.35 (Resolution 2004-15); Request 15-03, $876.35 (Resolution 2004-16); Request 16-03, $959.12 (Resolution 2004-17); Request 17-03, $959.12 (Resolution 2004-18); Request 18-03, $886.64 (Resolution 2004-19). All approved 7-0
37. Close a portion of Delta Line Road near Ferndale because of road realignment? The realignment will eliminate the intersection of Delta Line Road at Grandview Road. The new intersection will be 400 feet north of Grandview at Vista Drive to meet state safety requirements. (Ordinance 2004-08) Adopted 7-0
38. Approve the installation of stop signs at nine intersections6? New developments or safety are the reasons for the signs. (Ordinance 2004-09) Adopted 7-0
39. Establish 25 mile-per-hour speed limits on county roads? This ordinance applies to all roads within the plat of Sandy Ridge (off Smith Road); all roads within the plat of Spring Creek (James Street and Kellogg Roads); all roads within the plat of Bay Crest (Birch Bay) and all roads within the plat of Trickle Creek (intersection of McLeod Road and Mt. Baker Highway). (Ordinance 2004-10) Adopted 7-0
40. Approve 2004 budget request #2 in the amount of $35,975? The sheriff’s office will receive $8,430 from the state to purchase methamphetamine lab investigation equipment and $2,940 from class fees for the crime scene investigation class. The Emergency Management Fund will receive $24,605 to fund the Citizen Corps and Hazard Mitigation Planning. (Ordinance 2004-11) Adopted 7-0
6 The locations near Bellingham: westbound on Spring Creek Lane at Kellogg Road; eastbound on Kellogg Road at James Street Road; southbound on Woodfern Way at Smith Road. The locations near Birch Bay: northbound on Harbor Drive at the east intersection with California Trail; westbound on Lighthouse Drive at Jackson Road; southbound on Nautical Court at Lighthouse Drive; westbound on Starfish Lane at Lighthouse Drive. The locations near Pt. Roberts: eastbound on Churchill Drive at Delano Way; westbound on Churchill Drive at Delano way.
