April 2005
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at February 22, 2005 Meeting
Shall the council:
47. Authorize the executive to amend the contract with Westcoast Counseling and Treatment Center of Bellingham for the outpatient treatment of substance abusers? This amendment adds $155,035 to the contract for a total of $294,909 and extends it to 6/30/06. The contract is funded by state and federal grants. (AB 2005-116) Approved 7-0
48. Authorize the executive to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Lummi Business Council for the Slater Road flood-proofing project? It will cost an estimated $4,000,000 to raise the road above flood level and construct a 375-foot long bridge. The Lummi Nation is applying for a federal grant, that requires county matching funds not to exceed $1 million. (AB 2005-118) Approved 6-1, Dan McShane opposed
49. Conditionally approve the Samish Water District comprehensive sewer plan? The water district was formed to replace septic systems within the Lake Samish watershed with public sewer system. The county engineering and county health departments must approve the final sewer plan. (Resolution 2005-11) Approved 7-0
50. Support the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access in its efforts to provide health care for the partially insured and the uninsured? Patients are given information regarding options to find health care. The alliance works for the coordination of health care professionals and development of creative systems to broaden health care access in the county. The county may contribute money at a later date. (Resolution 2005-12) Approved 7-0
51. Adopt a five-year plan to protect the Lake Whatcom watershed? The city of Bellingham and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District will also adopt the plan for the years 2005-2009. Priority areas include: land preservation, stormwater management, urbanization/land development and community outreach. This year’s focus: a reduction in phosphorus loads. (Resolution 2005-13) Approved 7-0
52. Approve 2005 budget request #2 in the amount of $27,388? The money (a federal grant) is for phase 2 of a feasibility study for a Kendall/North Fork Community Resource Center. The total grant was $74,000, with the phase 1 study costing $46,612. (Ordinance 2005-28) Adopted 7-0
53. Add a new section to the environment chapter and new language to the zoning chapter of the Whatcom County Code? The new section and language will permit property owners to appeal manure and agricultural management decisions and will allow the hearing examiner to rule on the appeals. (Ordinance 2005-29) Adopted 7-0
54. Amend the zoning ordinance to permanently adopt stormwater and water resource designations for the Birch Bay watershed? This amendment also includes standards for land clearing and stormwater management to protect shellfish resources. This vote replaces the interim ordinance passed at the 9/28/04 meeting, vote 167. (Ordinance 2005-30) Adopted 7-0
