August 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women VotersÂ’ Council Watchers
Action Taken at June 17, 2003 Meeting
115. Authorize the executive to amend a $3,209,953 state contract for developmental-disability programs? The state Department of Social and Health Services provides the funding, new added services (employment, community access and child development) require the amendment. This contract will be extended through June 30, 2005. (AB2003-233) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
116. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $413,275 to Soto and Sons of Everson for construction of the Saar Creek sediment trap? This completes one phase of the plan to address flooding and silting. It also includes structures for hydraulic control and a channel around the trap to mitigate loss of salmon habitat. (AB2003-230) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
117. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $116,475 to Puglia Engineering for maintenance on the Lummi Island ferry? This includes annual drydock and repairs on the Whatcom Chief ferry. (AB2003-231) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
118. Amend Resolution 2002-16 to reprioritize projects to be submitted to the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team for timber-impacted communities? The top three priorities were given to a community resource center for Kendall, regional wastewater treatment plant and cultural memorial for Blaine, and Wood Stone business expansion (cooking equipment manufacturer) submitted by the Port of Bellingham. (Resolution 2003-41) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
119. Approve 2003 budget amendment request #6 in the amount of $193,027? The sum includes $92,434 for the sheriff’s office to establish neighborhood work stations and outfit each patrol car with breath testers and spike strips; $3,500 in grant money for the Click-It or Ticket program; $4,205 planning department consultant contract in land-use and building services; $10,800 for additional building permit office hours; $61,000 for permit review assistance in land-use and building services; $ 5,000 to continue Lummi Island subarea planning process; $2,550 for vehicle rentals; and $12,938 in final grant payment to the city of Bellingham for intergovernmental services. (Ordinance 2003-38) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
Action Taken at the July 8, 2003 Meeting
120. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $88,142 to Kenworth Northwest of Lynnwood for a diesel truck? The truck will be used to dispense water. The water tank from the old truck will be added and the unit will be used for dust control, de-icing and as needed. (AB2003-246) Approved 7-0
121. Confirm the appointment of Michael G. McFarlane as director of parks and recreation? He was park director in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for l4 years and brings expertise in working with government and community organizations in park recreation and resource management. (AB2003-25l) Approved 7-0
122. Update the six-year transportation program for the years 2004 through 2009? The update is a planning tool that rates the projects in order of priority. This update eliminates the Slater Road Connector and adds an engineering study for a traffic signal at Hannegan Road and SR544. (Resolution 2003-42) Amended and approved 6-1, Sam Crawford opposed.
123. Close a portion of Lummi View Drive? In acquiring the right-of-way for a relocated roadway (made necessary by an eroding bluff), a portion of the current road will be closed and not maintained. See the April 8 meeting, votes 72 and 73. (Resolution 2003-43) Approved 7-0
124. Amend the Whatcom County Code to require notification to all property owners within 1,000 feet of land-use proposals when they are outside the Urban Growth Area boundaries? Previous notification was 300 feet for conditional-use permits, variances, rezones and other permits and will remain at 300 feet for sites within the Urban Growth Areas. (Ordinance 2003-39) Adopted 7-0
125. Approve 2003 budget amendment request #7 in the amount of $68,000? This sum includes $25,000 for an increase in animal control services in the county, $25,000 for a satellite jail feasibility study (see vote 112 at the June 3 meeting) and $l8,000 for administrative support of the Economic Development Investment Program. (Ordinance 2003-40) Adopted 6-l, Barbara Brenner opposed (see bottom of page for reason).
