September 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at July 22, 2003 Meeting
126. Authorize the executive to enter into a trail easement agreement with Cryptical Envelopment of Bellingham?
The county’s Interurban Trail crosses property Cryptical purchased from Puget Sound Energy. One of the conditions of the sale required continued public access to the trail corridor. (AB 2003-261) Approved 7-0
127. Authorize the executive to sign a $139,874 contract with Westcoast Counseling and Treatment Center of Bellingham for people with chemical dependency problems?
The contract covers substance abuse assessments and case monitoring services for people whom are determined to be indigent or low-income. Funding is from the state Department of Social and Health Services /Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. (AB2003-262) Approved 7-0
128. Authorize the executive to enter into a $2,443,456 contract with the state for substance abuse treatment?
This agreement with the state Department of Social and Health Services provides treatment and prevention services for indigent and low-income clients. The contract covers two years, 7/1/03 to 6/30/05. (AB 2003-267) Approved 7-0
129. Authorize the executive to enter into an $111,800 amended contract with state Department of Health for public health services to support anti-tobacco programs?
The money will be used to discourage the use of tobacco and educate the public on dangers of second hand smoke. Total cost of the original contract and amendments, $1,493,264 from 1/03—12/04. (AB 2003-270) Approved 7-0
130. Authorize the executive to enter into a $67,500 contract with the Nooksack Tribe to develop the draft WRIA 1 salmon recovery plan?
Development of the Watershed Resource Inventory Area 1 plan includes technical analysis of salmon population assessment, habitat recovery and watershed management. Funded through the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. (AB 2003-272) Approved 7-0
131. Authorize the executive to enter into a $22,500 contract with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association to provide assistance with the development of the draft WRIA 1 salmon recovery plan?
The association will coordinate with the county and the Nooksack Tribe to ensure the tribes’ involvement is an integral part of the Watershed Resource Inventory Area 1 process. Funded through the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. (AB 2003-273) Approved 7-0
132. Approve the installation of stop signs at eighteen intersections?
Traffic analyses by the engineer’s office found that conditions warranted stop signs. (Ordinance 2003-41) Adopted 7-0
133. Approve the establishment of 25 miles-per-hour speed limits on five county roads?
An engineer’s office review found new subdivisions warranted speed limits on the county roads. (Ordinance 2003-42) Adopted 7-0
134. Approve 2003 budget amendment #8 in the amount of $76,961?
The sum includes $2,625 for the sheriff’s office to pay for 10 county employees to attend a five-day class in forensic photography, $24,000 to update the housing portion of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, $31,375 to fund a temporary deputy through the end of the year and $18,961 in state money for increased funding on the hazard mitigation plan. (Ordinance 2003-43) Adopted 7-0
Action Taken at August 5, 2003 Meeting
135. Uphold the hearing examiner’s decision approving the construction of a 62-unit resort hotel and condominium on Birch Bay Drive?
A neighbor appealed the decision. The council upheld the hearing examiner’s decision. (AB 2003-229) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
136. Overturn the hearing examiner’s decision denying Western Washington University’s application to install light fixtures on tall utility poles at the Lakewood Student Center on Lake Whatcom.
The council reversed the hearing examiner’s decision, allowing the installment of light fixtures on tall utility poles. This decision must still be considered by the state Department of Ecology. (AB 2003-225) Approved 5-0-l, Laurie Caskey-Schreiber abstained, Sam Crawford absent.
137. Authorize the executive to spend $47,496 for a toilet building at the Glacier Rest Area?
A portable toilet is being replaced by a precast flush toilet building that will be purchased from CXT Precast Products of Spokane. Federal, state and local (Whatcom Council of Governments) grants will reimburse all costs, including freight and installation. (AB2003-278) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
138. Authorize the executive to enter into a $964,635 lease agreement with the Goldfogel Family Partnership for health department space?
The community health and human services programs will move from their current locations on Girard Street and Forest Street to 1500 N. State Street. The move consolidates and increases space, concentrates services and reduces some clerical staff. Costs will be $13.86 per square feet for 13,915 square feet. (AB2003-280) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
139. Authorize the executive to enter into a $1,245,088 contract with Dr. Gary Goldfogel for medical examiner (coroner) services?
The four-and-a-half year contract allows for an annual 3 percent cost of living increase, with Dr. Goldfogel, medical examiner since 1992, providing all staffing, supplies and other expenses except for rental space for office and morgue. (AB2003-281) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
140. Authorize the executive to enter into a $201,370 lease agreement with the Goldfogel Family Partnership for morgue and medical examiner (coroner) office space?
The five-year renewable lease rate will be $13.86 per square feet per year for 2,905 square feet. The previous rate for morgue space was $43.70. Declining rents in the city account for the decreased lease rate. (AB2003-279) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
141. Award the low bid of $116,196 to Ebenal General of Bellingham for culvert repair on Breckenridge Creek?
The project (where the creek intersects with South Pass Road) will eliminate a fish passage barrier and extend the life of the culvert. (Resolution 2003-45) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
142. Award the low bid of $1,616,337 to Colacurcio Brothers Construction of Blaine for Kwina Road bicycle/pedestrian improvements?
The 1.1-mile project from Dike Road to Lummi Shore Road includes a curb, gutter and sidewalk, drainage improvements and storm water detention. (Resolution 2003-46) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
143. Award the low bid of $928,955 to Wilder Construction Company of Bellingham for improvements on Cain Lake Road?
The 1.8-mile reconstruction and asphalt-resurfacing project is from the Skagit County Line to northeast Cain Lake Road. (Resolution 2003-47) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
144. Waive bidding requirements and authorize the executive to proceed immediately to find a contractor to provide a replacement part for the jail control system?
A contractor is needed as soon as possible in order to maintain safety and security in the jail. (Resolution 2003-48) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
145. Amend Resolution 2002-43 (10/22/02, vote 184) to change a County Council meeting date?
Change the first meeting in November from Wednesday the 12th to Wednesday the 5th. (Resolution 2003-49) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
146. Deny petition-requesting vacation of James Way west of Birch Bay Drive?
A previously denied petition (May 2000) by Pete Hansen claims vacation will improve residential use. The inconsistencies in the title and the need to maintain public access to the beach convinced the council to deny vacation. (Resolution 2003-50) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent.
147. Pass an emergency code amendment and forward it to the planning commission for review?
The commission will revise Whatcom County Code 20.82.030 to state that applications for electrical substations and power lines operating at voltages greater than 55,000 volts be processed as major development permits. They are allowed only in existing corridors or districts classified as industrial. Generation loads greater than 16 megawatts must be located in industrial zones with access to existing 230,000-volt transmission lines. (Resolution 2003-51) Approved 6-0, Sam Crawford absent. §
