ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – MINUTES OF MEETING

REGULAR SESSION   -  FEBRUARY 14, 2000  

 

The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on February 14,  2000,  at  9:30 a.m.,  Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa., with   Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman,   William F. Thorn, member and Mike Shelton, Member, present.    By unanimous motion, the Board approved and signed the minutes from the meetings of January 10 and 24, 2000.

 

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board:    Voucher (War.) # 68481-68760……………………………….. $436,233.61.

 

PERSONNEL ACTION AUTHORIZATIONS

 

The Board, after receiving a summary of proposed action,  approved PAA  #017/00, Public Works Department  replacement, Jr. Civil Eng/Eng. Tech III pos.# #2250.01  effective 2/14/00.

 

Employee Service Awards

Employee                               Department                No. Years’ Service              

James Wiaczek                        Public Works/Roads               5

Sue Engstrom                          Community Development        5

Kathy Dlugosh                         Community Development        10

Ed Flitcroft                              Public Works/Roads               10

Adele McCallum                     Public Works/Solid Waste      10

Wayne Lewis                          Sheriff's Office                        30   

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH – JANUARY, 2000

 

Congratulations to Mary Welshans from the Assessor's Office on her selection as Employee  of the Month for January. 

APPOINTMENTS NAMED

 

By unanimous motion, the Board made two appointments: 

 

            E. T. Silvers, Oak Harbor,  Island County Planning Commission for a 4-year term,

            to expire January 2, 2004.

 

            Maxine Cray, Oak Harbor, Island County Board of Equalization filling an

            unexpired term to May 31, 2001. 

 

Signature on Contracts for 2% Hotel/Motel Program Year 2000

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved the following contracts with the  various agencies who received approval December 20, 1999 for the 2000 Program Year projects and activities funded by the 2% Hotel/Motel tax revenue:

 

                  Camano Island Chamber of Commerce;    Camano Island Innkeepers Association;

                  Cascade Loop Association; Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce;    Island

                  County  Historical Society Museum; Langley Chamber of Commerce (2) &

                  North Whidbey Lions Club.         [more contracts to follow at a subsequent meeting]

 

HEALTH CONTRACTS APPROVED

 

By unanimous motion,  the Board approved two Health Department contracts, having previously reviewed and discussed  same at a recent Staff Session with the Health Services Director: 

 

Contract:  St. Joseph’s Hospital, The Recover Center, Island County, HS-03-99, $614,417.

 

Contract # 00-437-G, Employment Security Department, Americorp Volunteer for Ropes/Challenge Program. $3,000.

 

Application for WSAC Group Retrospective Rating

 

As submitted by Betty Kemp, Director, GSA/Risk Management, the  Board approved, by unanimous motion, the Application for Washington State Association  of Counties Group  Retrospective Rating for Island County [Labor and Industries] Retro ID 130. [BICC 00-78]

 

CONTACT  FOR SOUTH END MAPPING PROJECT APPROVED

 

The Board by unanimous motion, approved a contract between Island County and  Jeffrey Logan, Consultant, for the South End Mapping Project  [existing electronic databases  to be integrated into a GIS for planning purposes; Freeland and Clinton are  priority study areas].   [GMA doc. #5444]

 

resolution #C-14-00 In the Matter of Transferring Funds within various      budgets [Year end budget transfers]

 

As prepared, submitted and reviewed by Margaret Rosenkranz, Budget Director, the Board by unanimous  motion approved Resolution #C-14-00 in the matter of transferring funds  within the  1999 Island County Current Expense Fund Budgets; Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Fund Budget; Developmental Disabilities  Fund Budget; Election Reserve Fund Budget; Equipment Rental  & Revolving Fund Budget; Mental Health  Fund Budget; Motor Pool Fund Budget; Public Health Pooling Fund Budget; Public Works Fund Budget and Solid Waste Fund Budget,

representing  year end transfers.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF TRANSFERRING FUNDS WITHIN THE 1999             )

ISLAND COUNTY CURRENT EXPENSE FUND BUDGETS, ALCO-               )

HOLISM BUDGET, DEVELOPMENTAL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE                   )

FUND DISABILITIES FUND BUDGET, ELECTION RESERVE FUND             )  RESOLUTION C-14-00

BUDGET, EQUIPMENT RENTAL & REVOLVING FUND   BUDGET,             )

MENTAL HEALTH FUND BUDGET, MOTOR POOL FUND BUDGET,          )

PUBLIC HEALTH POOLING FUND BUDGET, PUBLIC WORKS FUND       )

BUDGET, SOLID WASTE FUND BUDGET                                                          )

 

          WHEREAS, all funds and department budgets are adopted and fixed by the Board of County Commissioners  for each fiscal year, with expenditures listed in three general categories: Salary, Wages & Benefits, Maintenance & Operation  and Capital Outlay, and

 

          WHEREAS, it is permissible to transfer between these categories only by resolution of the Board, and

          WHEREAS, various departments have requested transfers of funds between portions of their budgets, and

 

          WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer between these categories in order to cover the unexpected or heretofore unknown expenditures in one category from  other budget category excesses, or from budgeted reserves, NOW THEREFORE 

 

          BE IT RESOLVED, that funds will be transferred in the 1999 Fund Budgets per the attached Exhibit A.

 

          ADOPTED this 14th day of February, 2000.

 

                                                                                  Board of County Commissioners

                                                                        Island County, Washington

                                                                        Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

                                                                        William F. Thorn, Member

attest:                                                          Mike Shelton, Member

Margaret Rosenkranz, Clerk of the Board

            BICC 00-80 [Exhibit A is on file with the Clerk of the Board]

 

Resolution #C-15-00 (R-07-00) – Initiating CRP 00-01, Maple Grove Road/Doeskin Court embankment repair

 

As recommended by Larry Kwarsick, Public Works Director, and  County Engineer,  Lew Legat,

the Board by unanimous motion approved Resolution #C-15-00 [R-07-00] initiating County Road

Project 00-01, 00-01, Work Order 295, Maple Grove Road/Doeskin Court, embankment repair

including retaining structure, drainage, guardrail, and asphalt pavement to restore Maple Grove to

the full roadway width, located in Section  23, Twp 32N., Rge. 2E., the  project in the amount of 

425,000. 

 

Resolution #C-16-00 (R-08-00) – Initiating CRP 00-02, Maple

Grove Road/North Camano Drive

 

Again, having been presented and recommended by Mr. Kwarsick and Mr. Legat, the Board by unanimous motion, approved  Resolution #C-16-00  (R-08-00)Initiating CRP 00-02, Work Order 296, Maple Grove Road/North Camano Drive, for   field surveys and professional geotechnical engineering investigation, evaluation, and recommendation only for embankment and cut slope repairs, located in Sec 23, Twp 32N, R2E, the project in the amount of  $44,000.

 

Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing

 Agreement WITH ADAMS COUNTY  

 

An Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (#RM-PW.0020.04) was approved by unanimous motion  of the Board with  Adams County to allow that county to purchase off of Island County’s call for bids for goods and services.

 

Grant Agreement (Department of Ecology/Island County) – Island County Watershed Implementation Actions Project

 

The County previously completed a watershed plan for North Whidbey.  This is a second attempt to obtain funds from DOE which was successful, and since the program and activity involves the Health Department and Board of Health, Mr. Kwarsick asked that the Board authorize signature upon subsequent of the Island County Board of Health.   This provides DOE grant funds in the amount of $250,000, with County funds to be provided in the amount of  $83,333.

 

By unanimous motion,  the Board approved Grant Agreement #G0000207 (#RM-PW0020-03), 

between Island County  and the Department of Ecology for a  Watershed Implementation Actions Project contingent on review and approval by the Board of Health on February 28, 2000.

 

STORMWATER MITIGATION AGREEMENTS APPROVED:  KOETJE CONSTRUCTION WITHIN HOLMES HARBOR GOLF AND YACHT CLUB

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved the following Stormwater Mitigation Agreements with Koetje Construction consistent with requirements of the  Island County Zoning Ordinance for single family residential building permits within various divisions of Holmes Harbor Golf and Yacht Club:

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement– Koetje Construction, Lot 26, Block 3, Holmes Harbor G&Y Club,

Div #6

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement – Koetje Construction, Lot 3, Block 3, Holmes Harbor G&Y Club,

 Div #7

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement – Koetje Construction, Lot 6, Block 4, Holmes Harbor G&Y Club,

Div #8

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement – Koetje Construction, Lot 7, Block 4.

Holmes Harbor G&Y Club, Div #8

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement – Koetje Construction, Lot 8, Block 4,

Holmes Harbor G&Y Club, Div #8

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement – Koetje Construction, Lot 21, Block 4, Holmes Harbor G&Y

Club, Div #8

 

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement – Koetje Construction, Lot 22, Block 4, Holmes Harbor G&Y

Club, Div #8

 

CDBG PLANNING-ONLY GRANT PRE-APPLICATION

 

Larry Kwarsick brought up an item not on the agenda but important to discuss at this meeting, which was Community Development Block Grant funds pre-application for a planning-only grant associated with the future facility grant application.  Applicants must now pass an initial  threshold before being able to submit a planning only grant.  The pre-application involves an intergenerational neighborhood center for low and moderate income residents as well as special need populations, an attempt to look at and blend planning activities for the South Whidbey Youth Center and   South Whidbey Senior Center.  If  the pre-application passes the threshold, an application will be submitted jointly by Island County and the City of Langley.  As noted by Commissioner Thorn this is a fallout from the Youth and Family Summit two years’ ago.  Mr. Kwarsick committed to make sure that the application to come, if pre-application passes, is for the Board’s signature.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved the CDBG Planning-only Pre-application grant planning only  grant for the intergenerational center on South Whidbey and authorize Larry Kwarsick’s signature under Certification  of Chief Administrative Official for this grant. 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

The Board met in Executive Session  at 11:00 a.m.,  to discuss with  legal counsel potential  litigation, as allowed under R.C.W. 42.30.110 (1) (i).   The session lasted approximately one hour and no announcement was anticipated after the session.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS 1:30 P.M. GMA ISSUES

 

v     Ordinance C-135-99, PLG-042-99, Amending the Comp Plan and Development

                Regulations to Comply with the Order of the WWGMHB Relating to Rural Densities

                in the Rural Area, continued from 11/22/99 and 1/10/00

 

v     Ordinance C-03-00, PLG-002-00, Amending Chapter l7.02 ICC Relating to Certain

                 Provisions of the County’s Critical Area Regulations

 

As indicated on the Amended Agenda for today’s Board meeting, no public testimony was taken on either Ordinance.  The Board by unanimous motion, continued the  hearings to  March 13, 2000 at 1:30 p.m.   [Notice of Continuance:  Ord. C-135-99 Gma doc. #5451; Ord. C-03-00 Gma doc. #5452]

 

PUBLIC HEARING:   Ordinance #C-124-99 (PLG-030-99) Amending Chapter 17.03 Island County Zoning Code Regarding Signs & Lighting

 

A Public Hearing was opened at 3:00 p.m. to consider proposed  Ordinance #C-124-99 [PLG-030-99], Amending Chapter 17.03 Island County Zoning Code Regarding Signs & Lighting, continued from 12/6/99, 12/27/99 and 1/24/00. 

 

Attendance: 

            Public:             John Graham, Citizens for Sensible Development

                                    Jerry Hill, Freeland

                                    Tom Roehl, Project Planning Services, Freeland

            Staff:              Phil Bakke

 

Hand-outs:

Proposed Amendment  No. 2  [GMA #5445]  

Proposed Amendment  No. 3  [GMA #5446]

 

Mr. Bakke recalled that the  Board at the last hearing  reviewed proposed Amendment #1 and agreed  language worked out with the  Coalition [6/21/99 Amendments that changed 17.03.180R] should be incorporated into Exhibit A from the Planning Commission.  Amendment  #1 is superseded by Amendment #2.   

 

            Amendment #2 incorporates  current 17.03.180R code language together with Planning Commission recommendations and as directed received at the Board last public hearing, December 6, 1999:

 

            Added  two definitions:   Box Sign and  Channel Lighting.

 

            17.03.180..1.f:  change free-standing sign height to 18’ and monument signs

            to 10’.

 

            Exempt signs in windows [i.e. logos such as “open”, etc.] and do not count

            toward the total sign area.

 

 

            General Standards for Maintenance, Sign Area and Height Measurements  - standardized    throughout the County applied to all signs

 

            Integrated lighting standards for the rural area together with lighting standards for non-residential      zones of the county and created new Section 4 “Outdoor        Lighting Standards”.    Section a) lists      lighting standards  (i) through (vi).  Exemptions  from the ordinance are listed in a) (vii) 1-4. 

 

            Section 5, Existing Signs and Lighting.  Provides that existing signage come into compliance when    the business  and/or sign is relocated or if the sign is damaged     beyond 60% current value.         Existing mercury lighting fixtures  installed prior to the      effective date of the chapter are exempt for 8 years.

 

            Amendment No. 3  makes several technical corrections.   

 

            17.03.180.R.1.c)  deleted [inadvertently left in – was replaced by what is now

            shown as c]

 

            Item h) adds the words “per side” after 100 sq. ft. in area and 40 sq. ft. in area.

            Same change in 2.g).(i).  

 

            Grammatical  corrections - 17.02.180.R.2.g)(iii) 

 

            Section 3, General Standards for Maintenance, Sign Area and Height Measurements in       all         Zones, contains a wording change:  “The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept

            neat at all times”. 

 

            Section 5.  Existing Signs and Lighting. 

                        (i)  The Business and/or s Sign is relocated; or

                        (iii) New language:  If the plastic/melamine panel of a Box Sign is no longer                                    utilized the replacement panel facing shall utilize a solid dark colored                                         background with light colored lettering,.

 

PUBLIC INPUT

 

Jerry Hill commented on the proposed amendments,  noting that lighting   problems with neighbors are not  uncommon occurrences and the best job that can be done on code provisions  would mean less complaints that have to be handled.   With regard to freestanding sign heights he previously asked to have that moved back to 16’ yet it is now proposed at 18’.  To find out what is currently the common sign height, he measured every sign on South Whidbey and found there were only 3 or 4 signs out of compliance over 16’, most very old signs.  Monument sign height is proposed  to be raised from 8’ to 10’.  He could not find a monument sign over 8’ existing on South Whidbey  now; most are around 7’ tall.   Regarding Section 5.a)(ii) past discussions seemed focused on 50% and not 60%.  When this says beyond,  it is not a small measurement and it should be a reasonable percent and his recommendation is 50%.    Section 5.b)   Recommends language be changed to:  “Existing  lighting fixtures installed prior to the effective date of this Chapter are exempt for a period of 7 years from the date of enactment of this Chapter.”    In talking to an illumination engineer in Freeland he learned the standard light fixture lasts 7 years and “or until replaced”.   The issue is not necessarily  with the technology of mercury  vapor but with the design of the light fixtures [displayed s brochure showing a series of light fixtures  recently used in Oak Harbor last year].  When installed the lights were not shielded and upon complaints, the owner purchased little metal shields and no complaints since.   The biggest issue is that all lights need to live up to the standard of full-shielded  cut-off light fixtures.  Good example of one just installed which does not comply is the new Post Office in Freeland. there are a number of good examples on South Whidbey of light fixtures [not mercury vapor] that fit in to the  character [Windermere Realty and the Port of South Whidbey; Hansen’s Lumber Sign] The Red Apple Market sign on the market is more visible, but fluorescent bulbs are exposed to the highway; the old sign by the highway  includes a reader-board sign that reaches around 16’ high, a small sign with a picture of a shopping cart, a small structure on top of that, making it reach 22’ high. 

 

            Education is important and Mr. Hill proposed that a brochure be prepared  that the County can hand out explaining the changes.  Mercury vapor lights are a tremendous energy drain.  Also he remembered that the Sheriff  discussed the   fact that some of these types of light fixtures not fully shielded were a  problem to his police officers when  approaching  residences; therefore, he suggested including a statement from the Sheriff  in the brochure  to educate folks about what is really security, and talk about fully shielded  motion-activated and placement of  light fixtures.

 

Commissioner Thorn clarified to note that  in the case of the Sheriff’s Department, it was the  character of the light at issue  and the  contrast between the lighted area and the unlit areas in the shadows, specifically attributed to mercury vapor lighting.

 

John Graham, President, Citizens for Sensible  Development (CSD), the group who submitted the original amendment, entered for the record a letter dated today providing comments on the new Signs and Lighting Ordinance contained in Amendment  No. 2 [GMA #5447].   He is a  board member of the Economic Development Council  and recalled the last meeting dealt with what kind of a theme does Island County have to retain the businesses here and attract new businesses.  His thought was there is a theme:  “We Are Island County – We Are Not Them”; this is not Leavenworth, Aurora Avenue or other places on the Mainland.  A number of businesses  on South Whidbey have done a good job on signs and lighting that are “island” scale and night sky is a key part of the island feel.  Neighbors’ property rights is a difficult issue but he thought that the language of the text now came close to a good balance. 

 

Mr. Graham’s specific comments using Amendment No. 3 were:

            R.1.f     The  original number of 16’ should be retained  for freestanding signs and 8’ for monument signs.  It would not destroy the county to have it raised to 18’ and 10’ but it comes back to the  theme of the County; the further above 16’ the further it goes toward Aurora Avenue and away from Island County.    Clarification:  in his submittal although he stated 16’ and then monument signs up to eight feet he wrote out eight but put 10 in parenthesis and that should be 8’ in parenthesis. 

            Consider placing a period after the word sky so that (v) reads:  protects the night sky.  Heading the Citizens Growth Management Coalition when the agreement was reached as Mr. Bakke noted earlier, he this would be fine to do so.

            Page 6, under a) (vii) (2).  Agreed with the proposed language. 

            As far as Existing Signs and Lighting, Mr. Graham  referred to his letter, noting there should  be  some kind of retrofitting requirement for lit signs.  Out of compliance signs are much more of a problem than out of compliance non lit signs.  He would not ask anyone to chop down a sign because it is two feet too high but would suggest they put black melamine or paint in the space of 10 years.   For lighting fixtures themselves, his suggestion is:  “Existing lighting fixtures installed prior to the effective date of this Chapter are  exempt for a period of three years from the date of enactment of this chapter, unless: The fixture became inoperative except for bulb replacement; or   The fixture can be retrofitted  at the time of bulb replacement to come into compliance with this Code.

            Someone with an out of compliance light fixture can either buy a new fixture,  line it with an opaque material or paint it, but in no case is it a big deal and therefore three years more than enough time for people to bring lights into compliance.    An example, the mercury vapor lights at Lagoon Point within three years would have to either have opaque insert material installed, replace with another kind of light, or paint it.   His recommendation again is: for an unlit sign – no requirements; a lit sign that is out of compliance – 10 years; and for a fixture, 3 years.

 

            Tom Roehl, Project Planning Services, and Island County Property Rights Alliance, urged  staying with current numbers of the heights.  The problem is not as severe if the section on existing situations is dealt with properly.  His focus has been on two areas:  one, relates to getting in to residential lighting and the other has to do with lighting standards  in commercial areas such as Freeland and Clinton.  UGA is currently under way for Freeland and Clinton and things may change there.  For example, if Freeland is a UGA and more density is to be encouraged there could be higher buildings or other things as development occurs. 

            Many of the issues within the ordinance  will naturally evolve; the market place is already taking care of this, and thought this would occur with many of the home  owners as well.   He agreed that section 5 should be deleted so there is no  prohibition of mercury vapor lights; the problem is not mercury vapor lights, rather the shielding.  He thought this an issue of regulating aesthetics and  reminded  there are nuisance  laws  on the books already. Ken’s Korner sign is  monument style and has one of Glen Russell’s carved paintings, which should not count as a sign towards the 100 sq. ft.

 

In that case, Mr. Bakke pointed out that that would fall into 17.03.180.R.1.a); flexibility built in to do that for a complex or a project.  He  verified that for the 100 sq. ft. it should be total area not the words “per side” deleted.

 

            Mr. Roehl referred to section 2.d)(v)  and recommended wording be:  “protects the view of the night sky” and did not object to deleting  “in a rural area” as proposed.   With regard to Amendment #3, page 6, he asked that mercury vapor lights not be made illegal.  Since this section applies in all zones there needs to be an exemption  for school football fields, sports arenas, equestrian centers,  County fair grounds.  Also an exemption if a property owner has acreage and has their developed area such that whatever lighting installed will not be visible from  the neighboring property owners. Protecting someone’s  view of the night sky so that it is absolutely black at the expense of someone else is too much in his opinion.

 

But Mr. Graham pointed out that  a light on a barn could be pointed straight up.  A barn light he thought could be shielded and pointed down.

 

            Mr. Roehl next proposed  Existing Signs and Lighting section, 5.a)(i)  read:  “The sign is relocated; or”.  On 5.a)(ii) to not use “current value” and should say instead: 
“more than 60% of the sign is damaged or replaced”.  The sign should not have to conform unless either more than  60% is being changed, replaced or remodeled or 60% or more damaged.  He agreed with Mr. Hill’s wording under the last item and agreed not to ban mercury vapor lights.  He suggested perhaps a new section to say that any existing lighting installed prior to the effective date of this change are exempt for a period of 8 years; and another section to talk about shielding. 

 

Commissioner Thorn did not propose to include density at all.  This proposal  sets up standards for an area, neighborhood or individual site.  If there is a nuisance factor involved it is a totally separate issue.

 

Jerry Hill agreed with Mr. Graham’s language about  existing signs and lighting that shielding be within 3 years.  With regard to Mr. Roehl’s comment about potential  UGAs in Freeland and Clinton, he thought the provision emphasized the idea of incorporating signs into buildings therefore eliminating the need to raise pole sign heights when those types of densities happen.

 

On behalf of CSD, Mr. Graham offered help at no charge to write a simple educational brochure to explain and defend if necessary the new regulations. 

 

BOARD ACTION:

Commissioner Shelton proposed the following changes, using Amendment No. 3: 

 

Page 2     R.1.(e)  concur with the Freestanding signs up to 18 feet  in height and monument signs                            up to 10 feet in height

Page 3      R.1.(h)  delete “per side” after “(100) square feet in area”

Page 3      R.2.d) (v)  to read “protects the view of the night sky.”

Page 3      R.2.g) (i)  after “Only one (1) on-premise Sign not exceeding nine (9) square feet in                                            area” add the words “per side”. 

Page 6      4.a).(v)  Eliminate (v) entirely

Page 6      4.a)(vii) Add to the exemptions public athletic fields, fair grounds, temporary special                                        event lighting.

Page 6.       5.a)(i)  Add “The” so it reads “The sign is relocated; or”.

Page 6       5.a)(ii)  to read:  “if more than 60% of the sign is damaged or replaced; ”

Page 6       5.b)  as written now eliminate and insert  John  Graham’s recommendation to allow 3                                        years to shield or retrofit those lights:  in 3 years people have to comply with                                                4.a)(i):  within 3 years all lights need to be shielded.  Accept John Graham’s 2-14-                                         00 letter with proposed wording under 5.c make that for the purpose of this                                                 ordinance,  5.b. referring to fixed light fixtures –

 

    “Existing  fixtures installed prior to the effective  date of this Chapter are exempt for a  period         of three years form the date of enactment of this chapter, unless:

 

            The fixtures became inoperative except for bulb replacement; or

            The fixtures can be retrofitted at the time of bulb  replacement to come into compliance       with this Code.”

 

Commissioner Thorn’s  suggested  changes were:

 

Page 2    R.1.(e)  will defer to fellow Commissioners on the  Freestanding signs up to 18 feet  in     height and monument signs up to 10 feet in height

 

Page 3      R.1.(h)  agree delete “per side” after “(100) square feet in area”

 

Page 3      R.2.d) (v)   agree with language “protects the view of the night sky.”

 

Page 3      R.2.g) (i)    agree that after “Only one (1) on-premise Sign not exceeding nine (9) square feet in area” add the words “per side”. 

 

Page 6      4.a).(v)   Not agree with eliminating  (v) entirely.  He felt it was entirely within the purview of the County  to  prevent the sale or use of mercury vapor lights. 

 

Page 6      4.a)(vii)   Agrees to add  to the exemptions public athletic fields, fair grounds, temporary special event lighting but include “not to exceed ____ days [Planning Director to fill in the number of days]. 

 

Page 6       5.a)(ii)  agree with the change to read:  “if more than 60% of the sign is damaged or replaced; ”

 

Page 6.       5.a)(i)  Add “The” so it reads “The sign is relocated; or”.

 

Page 6       5.b)    Replace 5.b) with the two provisions John Graham proposed  in letter dated 2-14-00  - his item 5.c):

 

Existing lighting fixtures installed prior to the effective date of this Chapter are exempt for a period of three years from the date of enactment of this chapter, unless:

 

            The fixture became inoperative except for bulb replacement;

            The fixture can be retrofitted at the time of bulb  replacement to come into compliance       with this Code.

 

Commissioner Thorn also recommended that the Board  adopt Mr. Graham’s item  5.b) in the 2-14-00 letter,   modified as follows:              “All existing lit signage shall come into compliance with the provisions  of this section within  ten years, except structurally.”.    Commissioners McDowell and Shelton did not agree.  

 

Commissioner McDowell agreed with all changes proposed  until page 6.  He was surprised no one mentioned anything about what he thought was the biggest impact, good or bad, no more white signs, rather all dark with white letters, an  intrusive form of government. He looked at the newer signs at night time and agreed they truly give a different flavor to the area with the dark sign, that is the one item that over the long run that will change the County the most.  As far as the proposal to come into compliance within a number of years, he did not buy into because of circumstances of those with small businesses for example Norman Barnett who has invested a substantial amount  invested in a sign in Clinton.   He is not interested in telling folks they have to redesign all  signage in 10 years. 

 

The  issue of shining into the night sky and mercury vapor  lights were the obvious gripes of folks at the last hearing.  He has a problem outlawing a whole line of lighting.  From an energy standpoint it makes no sense to continue to mercury vapor lights but for the person on a budget and has to buy it one is quite a bit cheaper, regardless of energy saved. 

 

As far as 5.b  alternate language proposed and agreed to by  Commissioners Shelton and Thorn with respect to coming  into compliance in three years  using item 5.c (i) and (ii) of John Graham’s letter, Commissioner McDowell  agreed.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board  directed the Planning Director to incorporate  the amendments discussed and agreed to by the majority of the Board  today into Exhibit A of Ordinance #C-124-99 (PLG-030-99) amending Chapter 17.03 of the Island County  Zoning Code regarding Signs and Lighting and continue the public hearing until March 6, 2000 at 3:00 p.m.   [no amendments; all to now be incorporated into Exhibit A].  (notice of continuance GMA doc. #5448]

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Chairman  adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m.,  to meet in Regular Session on February 28, , 2000, at 11:30 a.m. [February 21st is a County Holiday]. 

 

                                                                        BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                        ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                        Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

 

 

                                                                         _______________________________

                                                                         William F. Thorn, Member

 

 

                                                                         _____________________________

                                                                         Mike Shelton,   Member

 

ATTEST:    ____________­­­­­___________

Margaret Rosenkranz,  Clerk of the Board