July 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at May 20, 2003 meeting
94. Authorize the executive to enter into a $994,630 contract with SSP-Preferred Animal Care of Bellingham for animal control services? The three-year contract runs from 7/1/03 to 6/30/06. SSP has provided animal control services for the past six years. The new contract will require two new outdoor exercise yards for dogs and the retaining of all licensing and permit revenue to improve services and operation. Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
95. Authorize the executive to amend the contract with the Anvil Corporation of Bellingham for WRAI 1? This amendment for $42,450 continues clerical, coordination and technical assistance for Water Resources Inventory Area 1 (WRIA 1) meetings from 6/30/03 through 12/31/03. Approved 5-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2), Ward Nelson absent.
96. Authorize the executive to amend the contract with Resolution Services of Bellingham for WRIA 1? This amendment for $34,750 continues planning and facilitation of meetings, communication with government and non-government representatives, and coordination for the Watershed Resource Inventory Area 1 (WRIA 1) from 6/1/03 through 12/31/03. Approved 5-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2), Ward Nelson absent.
97. Authorize the executive to enter into a $999,100 grant agreement with the state to purchase four developed lots in the Canyon Creek alluvial fan district? The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide 75 percent of the money; the state military department 12.5 percent; and county flood control district 12.5 percent. Land titles will be transferred to the Whatcom Land Trust, which has been awarded a grant for the restoration and management of salmon habitat. All existing structures are to be removed and restrictive covenants will be applied prohibiting future structures except for public use. Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
98. Authorize the executive to enter into a agreement with the Whatcom Land Trust for implementation of the Canyon Creek alluvial fan project? The county will provide $50,000 for the purchase of Logs Resort, consisting of seven cabins, a shop and trailer Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
99. Authorize the executive to enter into a $4,000 contract with Paige Consulting of Bellingham for private well owners support? The money provides administrative and communication services for members participating in Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA 1). Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
100. Authorize the executive to award the county legal notices contract to The Bellingham Herald? Advertising rates will increase 21 cents per column inch, from $l0.86 to $11.07. The previous year (7/1/02–6/30/03) ad rates increased four cents per column inch. The contract runs from 7/1/03 through 6/30/04. Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
101. Authorize the executive to purchase 8.63-acre parcel from Corrine Bliven for $210,000? The property is located at 895 West Smith Road and is adjacent to the county public works central shop. Approved 5-l, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2), Ward Nelson absent.
102. Award the low bid of $1,298,846 to Soto and Sons Construction of Everson for West Smith Road improvements? It is seven tenths of a mile project from the Ferndale city limits to Northwest Drive. The work includes road widening, new bed, storm drains, curbs and sidewalks. (Resolution 2003-39) Approved 5-l, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2), Ward Nelson absent.
103. Adopt an interim zoning map for the Lake Whatcom Watershed? The revised map proposed the Eagleridge subdivision and properties located between North Shore Road and Lake Whatcom to Agate Bay remain Rural Residential (RR2), two units per acre. (Ordinance 2003-31) Adopted 5-1, Sam Crawford opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
104. Amend the Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, Title 20, Chapters 20.71, 20.80, 20.85 and 20.97? This interim ordinance seeks to provide additional regulatory protection for sensitive watersheds and shall be effective for not longer than six months following its effective date, but may be renewed for one or more six-month periods subject to public hearings and findings of fact. (Ordinance 2003-32) Adopted 5-1, Sam Crawford opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
105. Temporarily amend the exemption provisions of Title 21, land division regulations? In the year 2000, the five-year prohibition on selling gifted parcels was dropped, resulting in a considerable increase in gift exemption applications in lieu of standard land division regulations. This ordinance requires suspension of exemptions to further study health, safety, planning and environmental concerns connected to these subdivision practices. (Ordinance 2003-33) Amended and adopted 4-2, Sam Crawford and Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2), Ward Nelson absent.
106. Continue the moratorium* on permits for power transmission lines until December 3, 2003? This ordinance suspends applications for conditional and/or land use permits for electrical power transmission lines of 115,000 volts or less designed to carry 100 megawatts or greater loads, except in those districts classified as industrial. Presently there are no applications, but the council desires the opportunity to review existing codes and regulations to permanently address health and safety issues. (Ordinance 2003-34) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
107. Approve 2003 budget amendment request #5 in the amount of $496,211? This sum includes $2,600 for sheriff’s radar equipment, $26,378 for planning and development permit services, $l2,461 in retroactive wage increases for elected officials, $50,739 for prosecuting attorney’s office staffing, $19,171 for auditor’s office staff upgrade, $90,000 for treasurer’s software expansion, $224,691 for risk pool assessment/general liability in the prosecutor’s office, $26,000 to fund a park facility at Glacier, $25,000 in matching funds for Pt. Roberts wellness clinic, and $19,171 for fund transfers. (Ordinance 2003-35) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
108. Amend the Whatcom County Code to reflect the current office hours for the licensing department in the auditor’s office? The licensing department had been open on Thursdays until 7 p.m.; it was not cost effective. (Ordinance 2003-36) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
Action Taken at the June 3, 2003 Meeting
109. Sent a letter to the state Department of Ecology requesting a supplemental environmental impact statement** for a proposed pipeline crossing Georgia Strait. The May 27, 2003, letter questions the lack of scrutiny of several areas including the effects of horizontal drilling, potential open cut crossings of inland streams, impacts of pipeline testing, impacts on the fishing industry and on sea transportation during constructions, and earthquake risks. (no vote required)
110. Authorize the executive to enter into a $42,144 flood works agreement with Diking District 1? Funds cover levee back sloping completed in May 2003 on the Nooksack River north of Slater Road. Approved 5-2, Dan McShane and Sharon Roy opposed.
111. Authorize the executive to enter into a $65,000 contract with the state to develop a local “Coalition Against Tobacco Use”? The Washington State Department of Health funds this endeavor and will assist the county from 6/1/03–12/31/03. Approved 7-0
112. Authorize the executive to enter into a $25,000 amended contract for with HDR Engineering of Bellevue? The company will assess the feasibility of using an existing port building as a temporary minimum-security jail. The amount of the total amended contract is $127,357. Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed (see page 2).
113. Authorize a new health savings retirement plan for present and future collective bargaining units? The new plan (suggested by the Internal Revenue Service) includes revisions in benefits to be distributed at the time of death. (Resolution 2003-40) Adopted 7-0
114. Increase the petty cash fund for the Parks and Recreation Department to $7,925? Since June 1991 the petty cash fund balance has been set at $1,780. Fees and park usage have increased in the nine locations and programs. The state auditor has recommended that for increased accountability with this larger fund, that cash be allocated to the different venues to increase accountability and to limit employee access to the larger account. (Ordinance 2003-37) Approved 7-0
