August 2002
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at June 18, 2002 meeting
103. Authorize the executive to renew the What-Comm Communications Center contract with the City of Bellingham? The five-year $611,766 contract begins January l, 2002 and ends December 3l, 2007 The services assist the sheriff, police and fire public safety agencies by establishing a dispatch communications center. Approved 7-0
104. Authorize the executive to award $295,824 for a one-year animal control services contract to SSP Preferred Animal Care? The county proposes a small increase in service fees, the increase to be deducted from the contract amount. Because of public complaints, the executive is forming an advisory committee to help assure adequate standards and accountability. Approved 7-0
105. Authorize the executive to spend $177,097 as the county’s share of a grant agreement to inventory and schedule replacement of fish barrier drainage structures such as culverts and tide gates? The agreement, totaling $708,097, runs between June 2002 and March 2005 and is between Whatcom County and the Salmon Recovery Funding Board. It is part of the Water Resources Inventory Assessment (WRIA #1). Approved 7-0
106. Authorize the executive to enter into a $40,000 federal grant agreement with the Northwest Pacific Trail Association to operate the Service-Knowledge-Youth Education Program?-The eight-week summer program for at-risk youth 15-18 years old includes building erosion control structures and clearing/trail maintenance. The federal grant is from the Secure Rural Schools and Self-determination Act of 2000, Title III. Approved 7-0
107. Authorize the executive to enter into an interlocal contract to investigate the source of mercury in Lake Whatcom? The agreement is among Whatcom County, $45,000, the City of Bellingham, $45,000, and Water District #10, $10,000. The work will be performed under agreements with the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Washington State Department of Ecology to analyze and evaluate information about potential sources of mercury in Lake Whatcom, levels of mercury found in other regional lakes and fish, and the bioaccumulation of mercury. Approved 7-0
108. Authorize the executive to enter into a $78,500 contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior to study potential sources of mercury in Lake Whatcom? The total expenditure will be $156,000; with the balance ($77,500) from the United States Geological Survey. A geochemist with assistance from hydrologists specializing in water-quality studies will study existing data and collect new data. Approved 7-0
109. Schedule a public hearing on July 16 and approve the auction of surplus equipment? The auction on the first Saturday of each month by Berglund & Jones, Bellingham auctioneers, includes many vehicles. (Resolution 2002-24) Approved 7-0
110. Finalize the interim zoning process by sending an ordinance to the planning commission to decide if the planning is consistent and comprehensive? The staff then recommends a public hearing before formal adoption. (Resolution 2002-25) Approved 6-1, San Crawford opposed.
111. Authorize additional money for road work on Yew Street Road? Construction began on May 30, 2000 at an estimated total cost of $3,101,200; cost overruns will raise it to an estimated $3,623,000. The additional $521,800 will be used to acquire right of way for construction of a detention pond, additional traffic control, extra rock excavation, and utility conflicts encountered during construction. Of the total estimate, the City of Bellingham will provide $658,000 to install a sewer line, the state, $100,000, and the federal government, $1,205, 900. (Resolution 2002-26) Approved 7-0
112. Approve a proposal by the Evergreen Water-Sewer District to acquire the Paradise Lakes Country Club water system? The state-required approval for acquisition does not include a detailed water system plan which will need a Department of Health review. The water district is asking its members to authorize issuance of bonds of up to $250,000. (Resolution 2002-27) Approved 7-0
113. Oppose the return of the Jefferson Davis memorial to Peace Arch State Park in Blaine? The marker was removed by the state Department of Parks and Recreation. The department plans to return it with interpretive panels. The resolution opposed the marker’s return and stated the county’s commitment to the rights of all its citizens. (Resolution 2002-28) Approved 5-2, Barbara Brenner and Sam Crawford opposed.
114. Renew interim ordinance (2001-067 passed Dec. 11, 2001) adopting amendments to the official Whatcom County zoning ordinance? Existing codes and regulations will be reviewed to determine how best to maintain safe drinking water from Lake Whatcom. (Ordinance 2002-34) Passed 6-1, Sam Crawford opposed.
115. Continue the moratorium on conditional and/or land use permits for 115,000 volt electrical power transmission lines? Ordinance 2002-002 passed January 15, covered lines designed to carry 100 megawatts or greater loads, except in industrial districts. (Ordinance 2002-35) Adopted 5-2, Ward Nelson and Sam Crawford opposed.
116. Pass interim zoning restrictions on building within the Lake Whatcom watershed for six months? This downzones to one home per five acres on North Shore, changes urban three homes/acre in Geneva and Hillsdale growth areas to one home on two acres and downzones southeast Sudden Valley in the watershed to one home per five acres. Parcels greater than l2,000 square feet in the Sudden Valley Urban Growth Area are changed to one home per five acres. Present zoning permits over 3,000 possible building lots in the area, severely affecting drinking water from stormwater runoff. (Ordinance 2002-36) Adopted 5-2, Ward Nelson and Sam Crawford opposed.
117. Approve $258,500 for budget request #7? It includes $145,000 for the Lake Whatcom mercury investigation; $13,000 computer program for land and building permits, $40,500 for the trail restoration and development program for at-risk youth (see vote 106), and $40,000 for the mapping of county mineral deposits. (Ordinance 2002-37) Adopted 7-0
118. Continue the moratorium (Ordinance 2002-011 passed February 12) on acceptance of new subdivisions within the Lake Whatcom watershed? It is for subdivisions of less than five acres per house and sets a public hearing for July 16, 2002. (Ordinance 2002-38) Adopted 7-0
