ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS   -  MINUTES OF MEETING

REGULAR & SPECIAL SESSIONS  -  JULY 10, 2000

 

The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on July 10, 2000,   at  9:30 a.m.,  Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa., and in Special Session beginning at 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Special Session on Camano Island at the Country Club Fire Station, 1326 S. Elger Bay Road, Camano Island.  Present at both sessions were:   Wm. L. McDowell,. Chairman,   William F. Thorn, Member and Mike Shelton, Member, present. By unanimous motion, the Board approved and signed the following minutes:  June 26, 2000 and July 3, 2000.

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board:    Voucher (War.) # 78099 - 78245 $330,564.66.  

 

Traffic Signal Controller -  East Camano/Cross Island Intersection  Project

 

As presented and recommended for the Board‘s approval by Joe Araucto, Traffic Engineer, the Board by unanimous motion  approved and signed Purchase Order 03293 from  Econolite Control Products in the amount of $18,941.00  for Traffic Signal Controller for the  East Camano/ Cross Island Intersection  Project [not including tax] under CRP 99-07, W.O. 279. 

 

Hiring Requests & Personnel Actions

 

As presented by Dick Toft, Human Resources Director, the  Board by  unanimous motion, approved Personnel Action Authorization PAA #082/00, Treasurer’s Office, Tax Collections Deputy, Position  #2109.00,  effective 7/10/00.

 

Appointment to Lodging TAX  Advisory Committee

 

Mr. Clancy Overturf, Saratoga B&B, Bell’s Beach Road,  Langley, was appointed by unanimous motion of the Board to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee representing businesses  subject to this tax, refilling the position previously held by Lyle Spink.

 

Claim for Damages, #R00-013CD, John & Hatsue Balbin

 

Based on recommendation of General Services Administration  Director Betty J. Kemp in a Memorandum dated July 5, 2000, confirmed today by Lee McFarland, Assistant Director, the Board by unanimous motion  denied Claim for Damages #R00-013CD by John & Hatsue Balbin due to facts and information indicating the County  has no liability.

 

AWARD PRESENTATION

 

EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

Department    Employee                                       # Years

HEALTH                  Tim McDonald                                        20        

JAIL                          Cathleen Queeno-Wall                              10                   

ROAD                      Larry Godsey                                          10                   

SOLID WASTE      Jerry Mingo                                               10                   

TREASURER           Lois Rusher                                             10                   

GSA                         Jan Van Muyden                            5                   

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH  -  JUNE, 2000

Greg Cooper,  Camano Road Shop, was selected   as Employee of the Month for June.  He serves  as the mechanic for the Camano Road Shop but has established himself as "Mr.  Fix-it" who is called upon by all the County Staff on Camano Island whenever they have a problem.   In addition to keeping all the rolling stock in operating order he is also very adept in helping with computer problems.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Joe  Araucto, Traffic Engineer, Public Works Department,  was congratulated by the County Commissioners and Public Works Director, and co-workers  having on July 3, 2000  become an  official citizen of the United States.    

 

 

Public Input or Comments

 

Bill Vaux, Camano Island, commented with regard to the process when he tried to obtain a shoreline permit and building permit to replace  a 45 year old bulkhead at the beach at Mt. View on Camano Island.  He needed to submit the  application  prior to June 1st  and on  May 31st arrived at the Permit Center counter  with the paperwork to submit; his name was called at 4:00 p.m. only to be told  that applications are not accepted after 3:00 p.m.  Nothing  on the face of the application indicated that although a sign was posted  around the corner.  Stephanie Vasconcellos came out and looked over his paperwork  and stayed to process his application.   He was extremely appreciative of  Stephanie who went the extra mile just to please a constituent, and thought this  a great public relations job for the County.

 

HEARING HELD:   Ordinance #C-66-00 (R-34-00) regulating speed limitS -  portion of Wilkinson Road AND  East Harbor Road

 

As scheduled and advertised, a public hearing was held at 10:15 a.m. on  Ordinance #C-66-00 (R-34-00) in the  matter of regulating speed limits on South Whidbey  on a portion of Wilkinson Road, Section 2, Township 29N, Range 3E, WM and East Harbor Road, Section 14, Township 29N, Range 3E, WM.   At  the time of hearing, approximately five interested citizens  were present.  Joe Araucto displayed  vicinity maps of both areas, and provided a summary description of the  proposed speed limit reduction.     

 

East Harbor Road

Speed reduction proposed  as a result of a letter from the Saratoga Beach Association in July of 1999 expressing community concerns  for reduction in speed limit, followed  in September by a petition requesting reduction in speed from 50 to 35 mph on  East Harbor Road from Saratoga to Ashley Loop.  Based on an  engineering study, staff recommended to the Board in February denial of the request.  The  Board redirected staff  to re-look at the issues involved with this particular area and staff on further review came back with a recommendation for speed limit reduction for a  smaller area  than proposed  by the community, an area between Saratoga Road to the south intersection of  Harbor View where there is a high concentration of driveways, narrow road and where curves are  posted for a  35 mph speed. 

 

Wilkinson Road

The north end of Wilkinson Road from Sandy Point to Lunberg Street is proposed to be reduced from 50 to 35 mph, based on the geometrics of the road.  There are two curves closely spaced together.  To go from  Sandy Point Road at 35 mph to  the posted speed of 50 mph from the north does not allow enough separation  to get up to speed.  There is a concern about people coming  from the south slowing down to the first curve at 35 mph. and that is a safety  issue.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

James Aust [sp],   Trustee, Saratoga Beach Owner’s Association, reviewed changes over the past few years he thought justified speed reduction as the community requested:   population increase; number of families with small children in the area; all roads in  the Saratoga Beach  community can only be accessed from East Harbor Road, therefore all traffic in the community has to come and go  on East Harbor Road.  This is a residential  community, with many houses just 50’ apart.  An added problem is a community beach and launching ramp with frequent visitor vehicles towing boat trailers going to and from the beach; with no  shoulder on East Harbor Road on which to park while opening the gate  traffic stops in the road during that time. Engineering staff recommendation stops at north Harbor View Drive and the  boat launch ramp access road  is about ˝ block north of that area; therefore, the community would like to  at least like the speed limit reduced through that point to north  Holmes View Drive. 

 

Mr. Araucto pointed out  that the  area where staff recommends stopping the speed zone is after the  second curve coming from the north where the 35 mph curve is located; beyond that point the road is fairly straight.  Cars can pull off to open the community gate and the community  may opt to move the gate.   Staff chose Harbor View Drive as the cutoff for the reduction because  beyond that point there is adequate sight distance, alignment of the road is fairly straight,  and extending it could involve an  enforcement issue.  To change the speed zone to a driveway could allow for some confusion as far as what the speed is from either side of the driveway.

 

 

Mr. Aust countered that although a large majority of beach users, particularly those not resident in Saratoga Beach, is seasonal, but  quite a few property owners do crab and fish all year around.  He

was not aware  of any shoulder along the road wide enough for a boat and trailer  to pull off the road.  As far as moving the gate back, the access was put in over 35 years’ ago and  could be moved but would be fairly expensive for the community  to do so because it would involve not only moving the gate but extending the fence down each side of the road to the gate for security purposes.  The request was to move the speed reduction up to Palmer View Drive.

 

 

 

Larry  Kwarsick,  Public Works Director, noted there  would be no way legally the County  could share in the expense of moving the gate even though it is a safety issue for a public road other than if the County had a road improvement project and were acquiring additional right of way and as a result of that caused this to be relocated.

 

Commissioner  Thorn failed to see the logic that moving the speed limit reduction two blocks would not make sense, in light of a hazard seasonal or not. He proposed that the Board accept the extension of the speed reduction two blocks. He agreed with comments that the community take a hard look at where the gate is.

 

Chairman McDowell  commented that the issue on enforcement is when a road is straight people tend to go at a  comfortable speed to drive.  The public in this case submitted a petition

to reduce the speed limit and a logical reason with vehicles with boats parking on the road.  He encouraged  the community to look at changing  the gate entrance as the County does not have the means legally to do it with County funds.

 

Commissioner Shelton did note that he increasingly was approached by people  who would like the speed limit  on their own road to be something less than on other roads and was concerned  about  looking at speed limits  based  on something other than good engineering practices.   The fear is that majority arterials, East Harbor Road being one, would  ultimately  be 35 mph arterials.   The second turn off is a County Road, Holmes View Drive, the north intersection.

 

Kit Carson,  Wilkinson Road, questioned the area the speed limit reduction covers, originally having requested reduction up to Welcome Road with considerable traffic.   That area is where the kids get out and play along or on the road, and in the Beachwood area are quite a number of cars parked along the side.   Although Welcome Road is a private road it is also a school bus stop. Carson   On Wilkenson Road, he thought that motorcycles went  far greater than 50 mph as well as many of the cars.

 

Richard Clyde, East Clyde Road, expressed concerns about highway safety and spoke in favor of the proposed 35 mph speed.  Other things he asked that the County give  serious consideration to because of the growth on South Whidbey were:  Blue Lady Lane and Maple Cove Road - great if the four-way intersection could be straightened out while the land next to that area is undeveloped.   He suggested a 4-way stop there as well.

 

Commissioner Shelton saw that Mr. Clyde had a valid point:   when coming  down Sandy Point Road and to continue on to Clyde Street  requires making a  bend to the left and back to the right again; the alignment there is very poor.

 

Mr. Araucto for the record noted that he had received a  call from Bill Gardner who was in favor of the speed limit reduction on Wilkinson Road.

 

Audrey Clyde added comment with regard to the safety aspect at the corner of Clyde Road and Sandy Point Road with the thought in mind that women sit lower in the seat – when coming up from  Sandy Point Road it is hard to see around the  corner; the grass is so high to where she has gotten to the point of stopping completely.

 

Mr. Araucto noted this to be a  difficult place to sign, but agreed something to look into.  Mr. Kwarsick agreed, but noted too this is an area now  that is fenced and right of way  minimal – but a good idea to pursue.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved  speed limit reduction  for Road Log No. 17410, located in Section 14, Township 30 North, Range 2 East, W.M., from Saratoga Road southerly to the north intersection of Holmes View Drive  and East Harbor Road, MP 0.00 to MP 0.72,  from fifty to thirty-five miles per hour.

 

Further, the Board adopted a unanimous motion approving speed limit reduction for Road Log No. 12690, located in Section 2, Township 29 North, Range 3 East, W.M., from Lunberg Street northerly to Sandy Point Road, MP 3.15 to MP 3.69, from fifty to thirty-five  miles per hour.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

 

ORDINANCE REGULATING SPEED LIMIT ON COUNTY ROADS AS SHOWN ON ATTACHED EXHIBIT “A”, AMENDING ISLAND COUNTY CODE, TITLE X, CHAPTER 10.01

               ORDINANCE NO. C-66 -00

     R - 34 -

 

   

                WHEREAS, an engineering and traffic investigation has been made relative to the above described roads; and

 

                WHEREAS, from review of the information obtained during said engineering and traffic investigation, the existing speed limit is greater than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon the roads described on the attached Exhibit “A”; and

 

                WHEREAS, the engineering and traffic investigation also revealed the need to adjust the speed on a few of the roads listed on the attached Exhibit “A”; and

 

               WHEREAS, regulation of maximum vehicle speeds and traffic control upon County roads is a function of police power properly exercisable by the Board of County Commissioners; NOW, THEREFORE,

 

               BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of Island County, Washington, as follows:

 

The maximum speed on the roads listed in the attached Exhibit “A” shall be as shown in said Exhibit, and the Island County Code is amended to read as shown on said Exhibit.  Underlined material is added to existing county code and interlineated material is deleted.

 

             THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FIFTEEN DAYS FROM AND AFTER ITS PASSAGE INTO LAW.  REVIEWED this 26th  day of June, , and set for public hearing on the 10th day of July, 2000, at 10:15 a.m.

 

 

 

 

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

BICC 00-395

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

 

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

David L. Jamieson, Jr.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and

Code Reviser

EXHIBIT “A”

 

10.01.080        “E” Roads

 

D.        East Harbor Road

 

1.                 …

 

2.   …

 

3.   Road Log No. 17410, located in Section 14, Township 30 North, Range 2 East, W.M., from Saratoga Road southerly to the north intersection of Holmes View Drive and East Harbor Road, MP 0.00 to MP 0.72, thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

 

10.01.260        “W” Roads

 

F.     Wilkinson Road

 

1.                 …

 

2.         …

 

3.         Road Log No. 12690, located in Section 2, Township 29 North, Range 3 East, W.M., from Lunberg Street northerly to Sandy Point Road, MP 3.15 to MP 3.69, thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

 

Supplemental Agreement #3 TO  Consultant Agreement #PW-992025,  Datum Pacific, Inc. FOR  Drainage Study  Holmes Harbor Sewer DISTRICT AND INITIATION OF PWP # 00-02 UNDER RESOLUTION #C-70-00 [R-38-00]  TO  Construct two 30”  diameter drainage outfalls -   Plat of Holmes Harbor Golf and Yacht Club

 

Mr. Kwarsick summarized that the project involved improvement of two outfalls in Holmes Harbor Golf and Yacht Club community.  The Board authorized the undertaking of a drainage study.  While the drainage study shows a need for a variety of different types of improvements within  the community, the study pointed specifically to two deficient outfalls with potential for property damage and environmental problems.  Staff was instructed  to begin the process of designing corrective actions in these areas.   Supplemental Agreement #3  with the existing consultant is to  undertake preparation of plans and  specifications and to  assist the County in acquiring needed easements and/or rights-of-ways for those projects.    Public Works Project 00-02 is proposed for a total of $495,000.  Staff intends to  pursue design of the two facilities,   but give the more northerly project priority [outfall at Harbor Hills Drive].   

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Supplemental Agreement #3 to Consultant Agreement #PW-992025 with  Datum Pacific, along with Public Works Project #PWP 00-02, under Resolution #C-70-00 (R-38-00) to construct two 30 inch diameter drainage outfalls for the Plat of Holmes Harbor Golf and Yacht Club, for a total appropriation of   $495,000 [including $185,000 of Road and REET 2 funding  in approved 2000 Budget].

 

Contract/Performance-RETAINING  BONDS -  ACP

Miscellaneous Overlays 2000

 

Per bid awarded to Kreig Construction on June 26, 2000, the Board by unanimous motion  approved the Contract/Performance Bond/Retainage Bond with that firm for the ACP Miscellaneous Overlays 2000 – Whidbey Island, under CRP 00-04, in the amount of  $414,760.75.    Further, in conjunction with bid  awarded June 12, 2000 in the amount of  $322,119.40 to CSR Associated, the Board by unanimous motion approved the Contract and Performance/Retainage Bond with that firm, for the ACP miscellaneous overlay 2000 Camano Island project under CRP 00-03.

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 2 – to Consultant Agreement # PW-0972038,  H. W. Lockner -  Transportation Plan Update

 

Mr. Kwarsick explained this was to  assist the County  in preparing an update to the existing adopted Transportation Plan  element of the Comprehensive Plan.  The  work activity comes as a requirement of  State law requiring Island County  to adopt concurrency requirements for highways of Statewide significance.  This involves  preparation of not only the transportation element revision but also assisting in the development of  the  draft concurrency ordinance and management  procedures, community meetings,  meetings with the Island County Planning Commission and presentation to the Board of County Commissioners for adoption.  All the work is to be  completed on or before December 31, 2000, and the contract provides for an  extension of time for assistance that the consultant provides to the County and the concurrency ordnance and management activities  with contract increased by $52,400.00.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to  Consultant Agreement # PW-0972038 with  H. W. Lockner related to the Transportation Plan Update under work order #118.

 

Supplemental Agreement #3 to Consultant Agreement # PW-0992045,  CNJA Architects - Camano Annex/Island Transit Site Plan

 

By unanimous motion, as presented by Mr. Kwarsick, the Board approved Supplemental  Agreement #3  to Consultant Agreement No. PW-0992045 with  CNJA Architects for  Camano Annex/Island Transit Site Plan; WO 10  regarding preparation of various planning documents for Camano Road Shop re-location.

 

 

Lots 1,2 3 & 4,  West Beach Vista Div. 2 Purchase Closing Documents

 

By unanimous motion the Board approved, as presented, closing documents related to the purchase of Lots 1,2 3 and 4 of West Beach Vista Div. 2 as follows:  (1) Closing Statement; (2) Closing Agreement; (3) Notice of Compliance with A.P.R. 12; (4) Supplemental Closing Agreement; (5) Warranty Deed from Lange and et.al; (6) Excise Tax Affidavit.

 

Executive Session

 

At 11:00 a.m.  the Chairman announced that the Board would meet in Executive Session, as provided for under  R.C.W. 42.30.110 (1) (i)  to discuss with legal counsel pending or potential litigation.  Estimated time was approximately one hour, and the Chairman did not anticipate that the Board would come back to open public session with an announcement on conclusion  of the executive session.   After the executive session, the meeting recessed until reconvening in  Special Session  at 3:00 p.m. on Camano Island.

 

Special Session

 

The Board of Island County Commissioners reconvened at  3:00 p.m. Special Session  at the Country Club Fire Station, 1326 S. Elger Bay Road, Camano Island, with all members present.

 

HEARING HELD: Ordinance #C-65-00 (R-33-00) regulating speed limit on a portion of Elger Bay Road and Gilbertson Road.

 

A Public Hearing on   Ordinance # C-65-00 (R-33-00) in the matter  of regulating speed limit on a portion of Elger Bay Road, Section 30, Township 31N, Range 3E, WM and Gilbertson Road, Section 35, Township 32N, Range 2E, WM., was  held at 3:00 p.m. as scheduled and advertised,  at the Country Club Fire Station, 1326 S. Elger Bay Road, Camano Island.  Also present:  Joe Araucto, Island County Traffic Engineer,  and approximately 5 citizens.

 

Gilbertson Road

Mr. Araucto addressed the proposed speed limit reduction on Gilbertson Road to reduce  the speed limit on the entire length of the road from Carp Lake Road to the end of the County right-of-way.  The County received a petition  from Bruce Marek in May 2000, requesting the speed limit on Gilbertson Road be reviewed and July, 1999, the Board adopted a speed limit reduction from 50 to 40 mph during the Camano-wide speed limit review.   During  review in June 2000, determination was made that  30 mph was the appropriate speed because of the narrowness of the road and the two curves.

 

Donna Bulla, 2141 S. Parker Road,  questioned  how long the road was and asked about enforcement.   She commented that the Board  should hold the public hearings earlier in the day or later in the evening so more people could attend. 

 

Chairman McDowell responded that Gilbertson Road was 0.54 miles long.

 

Dee Dee Marek, 169 N. Gilbertson Road, favored the  speed limit reduction to 30 mph.   She lives at the end of the road and asked how many other dead-end roads had a speed limit of 40 mph.  After  the two curves, there is  approximately 660 feet of paved road before the County road ended.   Her greatest concern was safety of children, and mentioned her believe that school buses going the limit of 40 mph in this area was too fast.   She was not  notified about the proposed speed limit reduction last year and therefore did not at that time have an opportunity to express her  opinion.

 

Commissioner Shelton explained the assumption was that a certain amount of people would drive the posted speed limit.  If  there is an on-going speeding problem,  a traffic emphasis patrol could be done by the Sheriff ‘s Department to enforce the speed limit.

 

Kevin James, 49 N. Gilbertson Road, who  lives where Gilbertson Road makes the  second bend, explained he has to back out of his driveway and was almost hit twice because of poor visibility at 40 mph around the corner.  He was in favor of reducing the speed limit to 30 mph and hoped it would encourage people to slow down.

 

George Huddleston-Kohler, 158 N. Gilbertson Road,  asked if anyone on the Board had driven on Gilbertson Road; if so, it spoke for itself.

 

Commissioner Thorn commented he had been on the road several times, especially since this matter had been called to his  attention, and agreed the curves were very dangerous.

 

 

 

Chairman McDowell was not usually  in favor of reducing speed limits, but since the residents who spoke were all in favor of the reduction, he agreed also.

 

Elger Bay Road

Mr. Araucto summarized the proposal with respect to Elger Bay Road to  establish a 20 mile per hour school zone on Elger Bay Road 500 feet on both sides of the school driveway “When Lights are Flashing” between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. when children would be present.

 

No public comments were made regarding this proposal.

 

Answering  Commissioner Thorn’s question about the  existing default speed limit near the school, Mr.  Araucto  confirmed that the school  was located in a 50 mile per hour speed zone. 

 

BOARD ACTION

Commissioner Shelton moved  that with regard to   Gilbertson Road, Road Log No. 82030, located in Section 35, Township 32 North, Range 2 East, W.M. from Carp Lake Road northerly to end of county road, MP0.00-0.54, to approve  as proposed in  Ordinance #C-65-00 (R-33-00) reducing  the speed limit from 40 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour.  Motion, made and seconded, carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Shelton moved  in reference to Elger Bay Road, Road Log No. 97190 located in Section 30, Township 31 North, Range 3, East, W.M. from a point 400 feet south of the intersection of Elger Bay Road and Dry Lake Road to a point 1,400 feet south of the intersection of Elger Bay Road and Dry Lake Road, MP 7.296 to MP 7.485,  that the Board approve reduction of the speed limit to twenty (20) miles per hour “When Lights  are Flashing.”  as proposed under Ordinance #C-65-00 (R-33-00).  Motion as made and seconded carried unanimously. 

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

Ordinance Regulating Speed Limit on ]

County Roads AS SHOWN ON ATTACHED ]

EXHIBIT ‘A’ AMENDING ISLAND COUNTY      ]                       ordinance no. c-65-00

CODE, TITLE X,   CHAPTER 10.01                       ]                                            r-33-00

                                                      

            WHEREAS, an engineering and traffic investigation has been made relative to the above described roads; and

 

            WHEREAS, from review of the information obtained during said engineering and traffic investigation, the existing speed limit is greater than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon the roads described on the attached Exhibit “A”; and

 

            WHEREAS, the engineering and traffic investigation also revealed the need to adjust the speed on a few of the roads listed on the attached Exhibit “A”; and

 

            WHEREAS, regulation of maximum vehicle speeds and traffic control upon County roads is a function of police power properly exercisable by the Board of County Commissioners; NOW, THEREFORE,

 

            BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of Island County, Washington, as follows:

 

The maximum speed on the roads listed in the attached Exhibit “A” shall be as shown in said Exhibit, and the Island County Code is amended to read as shown on said Exhibit.  Underlined material is added to existing county code and interlineated material is deleted.

 

            THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FIFTEEN DAYS FROM AND AFTER ITS PASSAGE INTO LAW.  

 

            REVIEWED this 26th  day of June, , and set for public hearing on the 10th day of July  2000, at 3:00   at Country Club Fire Station, 1326 S. Elger Bay Road, Camano Island.