ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - MINUTES OF MEETING

DECEMBER 16, 2002

The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on December 16, 2002 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Law & Justice Facility, Department III (Courtroom 3), 101 N.E. 6^th Street, Coupeville, Wa. Mike Shelton, Chairman; Wm. L. McDowell, Member, and William F. Thorn, Member, were present. By unanimous motion, the Board approved and signed the minutes from the meeting held on 12/9/02.

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board: Voucher (War.) #155376-155603 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$460,913.00.

Hiring Requests & Personnel Actions

As presented by Dick Toft, Human Resource Director, the Board by unanimous motion, approved nine personnel action authorizations, the first 8 a result of year 2003 budget reductions:

Dept. PAA # Description/Position # Action Eff. Date

Health 101/02 Dept. Asst. 2423.03 .75 to .63 fte 1/1/03

Health 102/02 WIC Clerk/Certifier 2424.00 1.0 to .63 fte 1/1/03

Health 103/02 Dept. Asst. 2423.02 1.0 to .63 fte 1/1/03

Health 104/02 Sub. Ab. Prev. 2428.00 .75 to .5 fte 1/1/03

District Ct. 100/02 Probation Off.. I 1103.01 1.0 to .5 fte 1/1/03

Clerk 099/02 Vault/Micro Clerk 503.04 1.0 to .5 fte 1/1/03

Maintenance 105/02 Custodian .5 fte 901.04 1.0 to .5 fte 1/1/03

Auditor 098/02 Deputy Auditor 211.00 1.0 to .5 fte 1/1/03

Sheriff/Jail 097.02 Correction Officer 4015.12 Replacement 12/16/02

120 Day Provisional Hire

Interlocal Cooperative Agreement Between Island County

and Skagit County for Detention Services

Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between Island County and Skagit County for Detention Services, Contract # RM-JUV-02-0080 for the period 12/1/02 – 12/31/04 was approved as transmitted by Michael Merringer, Juvenile Court Services Director.

Closing Paperwork for English Boom Tidelands - Seller – Steven L. and Norma J. Knopp

As presented and recommended for approval by Lee McFarland, Assistant Director, GAS, the Board by unanimous motion approved and signed the closing papers for English Boom Tidelands – Seller – Steven L. and Norma J. Knopp.

Contract - Construction Work at Dave Mackie Memorial Park

A contract between Island County and J & L Builders, Langley, for Construction Work at Dave Mackie Memorial Park [RM-GSA-02-0090] in the amount of $14,890.00 was approved by unanimous motion of the Board, as presented and recommended for approval by Mr. McFarland.

Contracts for 2% Hotel Motel Tax for 2003 Program year

As a follow-on action to having approved the projects and activities funded by 2% tax revenues November 18, 2002, the Board by unanimous motion approved four contracts:

Camano Arts Association, Camano Island Mother’s Day Studio Tour $1,500

Camano Island Chamber of Commerce, Camano Island Visitor Info. Center $5,000

Greater Oak Harbor Chamber for Commerce, Marketing and Tourism Program $12,000

Skagit/Island County Museum Assn., 14 Fun-Filled Family Museums Brochure $1,500.

HEALTH CONTRACTS APPROVED

By unanimous motion, as transmitted by the Health Services Director under cover Memorandum dated 12/11/02, the Board by unanimous motion approved two health contracts:

NSRSN Contract #NSRSN-Island-02 Amendment (1) for Mental Health Services, in the amended amount of $10,000, for new total contract of $122,085;

Developmental Disabilities contract #HS-04-02 with Island Employment Services - $5,000.

Claims for Damages

Claim for Damages #R02-032CD/a by Puget Sound Energy came before the Board, having been continued from last week in order for further review with PSE to explain the cost breakdown attached to the claim, specifically the line item shown under labor reflecting $162.64 straight time for 1.00 hours. The Claim submitted in the amount of $2,179.19 came with a recommendation of approval by the Public Works Department and GSA/Risk Management. Bill Oakes reviewed additional information obtained from PSE as requested which justified labor costs and hours. The billing shows $75.91 per hour and time and a half shown separately, broken out in further detail, including material costs for splicing, pass through for the sub, and actual home office overhead. Sub hours shows arrival on site at 1630 and leaving at 2117 with a crew of 4. By unanimous motion, the Board approved Claim for Damages #R02-032CD/a by Puget Sound Energy in the amount of $2,179.19.

Claim for Damages #R02-025CD Christina Wick, pulled from today’s agenda at the request of the Risk Manager.

Review Monthly Financial Reports from Auditor & Treasurer

Treasurer’s Report

Linda Riffe, Treasurer, submitted the written Treasurer’s Current Expense Report for the period ending November 30, 2002. Revenue from investment interest is ahead of the original budget projected for 2002 but by comparison earned $852,199 less than 2001 due to the significant drop in interest rates. Interest rates have continued to drop in the last four weeks, running now between 1.12 and 1.5% depending on length of investment. Excise tax-PUD is ahead of the original projection; Liquor Excise Tax , Franchise tax, property tax interest, jail and building permits are on target.

Auditor’s Report

Suzanne Sinclair, Auditor, submitted the Auditor’s Report for the same period, also in writing. briefly summarizing to note that Current Expense is ahead of where it was last year relative to revenue collection. Expenditures are behind last year relative to a comparison. Revenues for funds are behind where they were last year relative to the budget but expenditures are also behind.

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement #PW-0220-87 - Berdj & Nevrika Yazaryan Holmes Harbor Golf & Yacht Club

Stormwater Mitigation Agreement #PW-0220-87 with Berdj and Nevrika Yazaryan related to Holmes Harbor Golf & Yacht Club; Tract A, Division 8; Sec. 3, Twp 29N., R 2E, was approved by unanimous motion of the Board, as presented by Mr. Oakes.

BID AWARD FOR Coupeville Mental Health Facility

Mr. Oakes provided to the Board a bidder’s tabulation for the project Coupeville Mental Health Facility, under Work Order #204 and recommended award of bid to the low bidder, J & L Builders, Langley, for the base bid along with Additives #1, adding two examination rooms, and Additive #5, interior signs. Mr. Oakes provided a copy of a December 13, 2002 letter from Jess C. Jamieson, Ph.D./CEO, Community Mental Health Services, confirming concurrence in the award of bid for base bid plus Additives #1 and #5, bid plus additives 1 and 5]. The letter further confirmed that CMHS and Compass Health would proceed with a $125,000 fund-raising campaign to help cover a portion of the estimated costs of the project. CMHS. The Board, on unanimous motion, awarded bid to the low bidder, J & L Builders, Langley, under Work Order #204, Coupeville Mental Health Facility, for the base bid along with Additives #1 and #5.

CONSULTANT AGREEMENT #PW-0220-95 – DAVIDO CONSULTING GROUP

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Consultant Agreement #PW-0220-95 with Davido Consulting Group for On-call Civil Services – Drainage for a three year period, with maximum amount payable $250,000.

CONSULTANT AGREEMENT #PW-0220-96 – CHINOOK ENGINEERING

The Board by unanimous motion approved Consultant Agreement #PW-0220-96 with Chinook Engineering for On-call Civil Services - Fish Passage for a three year period with maximum amount payable $50,000.

SOLID WASTE Bad Debt write-offS APPROVED

As presented by the Public Works Director, the Board by unanimous motion approved Solid Waste 2002 uncollectible bad debt write-offs in the total amount of $1,088.32 for fiscal year 2002, detailed in a memorandum dated December 6, 2002 from Bill Oakes.

PUBLIC INPUT/COMMENT

Realizing the number of folks in the audience were present to comment on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment having to do with establishing a new Seattle Pacific University Special Review District, Chairman Shelton commented on the structure of comprehensive plan amendments to the Island County Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the proposed amendments came before the Planning Commission at a public hearing, and with regard to the SPU proposal, from his understanding, there had been very little participation at the hearing before the Planning Commission. He reviewed with the audience the structure under State law when a proposal comes before the Planning Commission. The Board has not chosen to hold its own public hearing, and a public meeting would begin this morning at 10:30 a.m. to consider the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan, of which the SPU proposal is just one. With the understanding that members of the public desire to make comments ahead of time without benefit of having heard the Planning Department presentation or comments from the proponents, he agreed comments could be made at this time.

Rod Barnes, Coupeville, questioned removal of a condition on a donation of property making it a preserve, and thus opening it to development. He agreed with concerns expressed recently in a newspaper article, and also expressed concern about the project inasmuch as Eagles winter there and raise their young.

Ferrall Baker, Coupeville, maintained that the public had not been properly notified even though a notice may have been in the paper he thought 90% of the people had heard nothing about it until 22^nd of this month when the article in the paper said comments had to be in by 4:30 p.m. that day. The SPU project he believed would directly affect old growth forest, noise levels, traffic and water, and comments in SPU’s master plan about desalination.

Commissioner Thorn commented to note that the proposal before the Board was not a development proposal or any construction; strictly a proposal for rezone and nothing built absent having appropriate water, sewer, etc. The Chairman added that whether or not the special review district, if granted, there are still development possibilities on the property. Should the SRD be approved, and at some point in the future a project proposed, the first thing would have to be a showing of adequate water source.

Sara Bress asked that the meeting be adjourned and rescheduled at another time in a room that could accommodate the number of people who desire to comment, with proper notice, since there is no exhibit attached to the plan showing that it was noticed.

Consensus of the Board was to continue on with the public meeting as scheduled and noticed.

PUBLIC MEETINGS HELD: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ANNUAL REVIEW AMENDMENTS

Public meetings were held beginning at 10:30 a.m., introduced at the meeting of November 4, 2002 and scheduled originally for December 2, 2002, subsequently rescheduled for public meeting on December 16, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following Comprehensive Plan Annual Review Amendments:

· Ordinance C-91-02, PLG-014-02, amending the Island County Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 17.03 ICC to incorporate an amendment for the Greenbank Farm Special Review District [GMA # 7288]

· Ordinance C-93-02, PLG-016-02, amending the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.03 ICC to establish development standards for Parks [GMA #7290]

· Ordinance C-94-02, PLG-017-02, amending the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.03 ICC to establish standards for Rural Event Centers [7291]

· Ordinance C-95-02, PLG-018-02 – Amending Chapter 3.40 ICC, Public Benefit. Rating System (PBRS) [GMA #7292]

· Ordinance C-92-02, PLG-015-02, amending the Island County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 17.03 ICC and the Zoning Atlas, to establish a new Seattle Pacific University Special Review District. [GMA #7289]

The Planning Department was represented by Phil Bakke, Planning and Community Development Director, and Jeff Tate, Assistant Director. The public in attendance numbered 40 +.

Ordinance #C-91-02, PLG-014-02, amending the Island County Comprehensive Plan

and Chapter 17.03 ICC to incorporate an amendment for the Greenbank Farm

Special Review District

Mr. Bakke outlined the proposal. In 1998 when the County adopted the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations, Greenbank Farm was zoned as SRD at that time, and in the interim period the Greenbank Farm and Island County worked cooperatively with the Greenbank Farm Management Team and the Port of Coupeville to come up with a set of zoning standards to accompany the SRD. Up until now there have been no zoning standards to guide the future growth, development or operation of the Farm, instead was handled as an existing use under the code. The proposal has been properly through the Planning Commission who recommended unanimously approval of the proposal. The proposal was forwarded to Washington State agencies for comment and no comments have been received from any of those agencies.

Laura Blankenship, Executive Director, Greenbank Farm, was in the audience supportive of the proposal being approved.

Benye Weber, Port District of Coupeville Commissioner, expressed appreciation for the Planning Department’s involvement and work with the Greenbank Farm Management Group and Port of Coupeville in looking at some of the issues and coming to a decision in how best to approach some of the issues related thereto. She looked forward to the Board’s favorable approval of the proposal.

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Ordinance #C-91-02, PLG-014-02, amending the Island County Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 17.03 ICC to incorporate an amendment for the Greenbank Farm Special Review District. [as approved GMA #________]

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE ISLAND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND CHAPTER 17.03 ICC TO ADOPT A MASTER PLAN AND IMPLEMENTING DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR THE GREENBANK FARM SPECIAL REVIEW DISTRICT.

) ) ORDINANCE C-91-02 ) PLG-014-02 ) ) ) ) )

WHEREAS, the application for CPA 032/02 was requested by Greenbank Farm to adopt a Master Plan that establishes a regulatory framework that applies to the existing Special Review District zoning designation. The proposed application was duly docketed for Planning Commission consideration and the Department’s required report forwarded to the Planning Commission within the prescribed time period; and

WHEREAS, CPA 032/02 and the accompanying Greenbank Farm Master Plan are provided by the Port of Coupeville in response to the prior designation of the parcel as a Special Review District. On September 29, 1998, the Board of Island County Commissioners (BICC) adopted the Island County Comprehensive Plan and development regulations and Zoning Atlas which went into effect on December 1, 1998. At that time the 151 acres of the Greenbank Farm that are owned and operated by the Port of Coupeville were designated as a Special Review District. The BICC stated that the Greenbank Farm was a special and unique use in Island County that did not fit under the regulatory framework of any specific land use designation. It was for this reason that the BICC approved the concept of the Special Review District as a means of addressing the needs of special uses that are important to the residents of the County, don’t fit within the definition of any land use designation and which need a designation that will afford the owners and operators of such uses with a fairly high degree of flexibility and predictability to continue operating while creating use and development parameters that local residents could rely upon in anticipation of future growth; and

WHEREAS, the Port of Coupeville has prepared the Master Plan and requested amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance in order to establish a predictable land use scenario which will allow the Port of Coupeville to plan for the future maintenance and operations of the Greenbank Farm; and

WHEREAS, the Master Plan indicates, and the Planning Commission reaffirms that while preserving the farm and its agrarian value in the community is critical, of paramount importance is ensuring that the Greenbank Farm is an economically viable operation. The Master Plan and development regulations have been drafted in a manner that are intended to provide ample flexibility and predictability for the planning and operations of the Greenbank Farm; and

WHEREAS, the Island County Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on May 28, 2002 in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room in Coupeville. During the hearing, Planning and Community Development staff presented to the Planning Commission and the public the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, verbal public input was received during the public hearing. Representatives of the Greenbank Farm provided rationale for their request and a description of their long term intentions and goals. All public input provided during the hearing was in support of the proposed amendments. No additional written testimony was provided following the hearing; and

WHEREAS, during deliberations on June 11, 2002, the Planning Commission provided unanimous support for the proposed amendments; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission concluded that this proposal would ensure that the Greenbank Farm and Port of Coupeville are provided the flexibility and predictability that are needed in order to continue its operations; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission concluded that this proposal includes provisions and standards that will protect public resources and the surrounding environment such that future growth and operations of the Greenbank Farm do not have a deleterious impact on the community; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission declared that the Greenbank Farm is an asset to the community. It is a use that provides substantial economic, aesthetic, cultural and historic significance on Whidbey Island. It is a use that the residents of Island County want to preserve. Adoption of a Master Plan will allow for a more secure and predictable environment in which to operate and plan for the long term which will allow for more efficient and wiser use of public money. Therefore, it is in the best interest of Island County to adopt a Master Plan that provides predictability and flexibility for the Port of Coupeville to continue its maintenance and operation of the Farm while creating parameters that limit expansion and use of the facility; and

WHEREAS, the Master Plan is the policy document that governs use of the Greenbank Farm Special Review District. If conflicts arise between development regulations and the Master Plan, the Master Plan shall prevail. When considering interpretations of unspecified use and/or standards of the subject site, substantial deference shall be afforded to the Master Plan. However, if a standard has not been specified in the Special Review District Zoning designation or the Master Plan, standards found in other sections of the Zoning Ordinance may be used as precedence when providing interpretations or establishing policy; and

WHEREAS, no time limit duration has been incorporated into the Master Plan or the development regulations. The Special Review District shall run with the property indefinitely. Any change in ownership, abandonment of the Master Plan or subdivision and sale of land shall require review and approval through the annual review amendment process. If the Port of Coupeville desires to remove the Special Review District designation, the property shall revert to Rural zoning designation; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to WAC 197-11-600, the County SEPA official has determined that the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 17.03 relating to the Master Plan adoption and addition of development standards for the Greenbank Farm Special Review District are not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact that was not considered in the environmental documents prepared for the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED that amendments to the Island County Comprehensive Plan, the Greenbank Farm Master Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and amendments to Chapter 17.03 ICC, attached hereto as Exhibit B, that establish development standards for the Greenbank Farm Special Review District, are hereby adopted. Material underlined is added.

Reviewed this 4 day of November, 2002 and set for public hearing at 10:30 a.m. on the 2 day of December, 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board

Revised on November 18th, 2002. See Inserted Page.

Reviewed this 18^th day of Nov. , 2002 and set for public meeting at 10:30 a.m. on the 16^th day of Dec., 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Ellen K. Meyer, Deputy

Clerk of the Board

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16 day of December, 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

DAVID L. JAMIESON, JR.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

& Island County Code Reviser

[Exhibits A and B placed on file with the Clerk of the Board[

Ordinance #C-93-02, PLG-016-02, amending the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.03 ICC to establish development standards for Parks.

Summarizing, Mr. Bakke commented that it was in 1998 that a Park zone was established covering publicly held property for park purposes without having adopted park zoning to accompany it to guide development of those lands. The County Planning Department worked with GSA/Parks to define standards, looking at what neighbors have done, and forwarded a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission held two hearings: one on Camano Island May 14, and one in Coupeville on May 28^th. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward the proposal to the Board for consideration, noting that the ability to develop park lands to be an essential asset for the community and that Park Zone standards fit their goals.

Commissioner Thorn referred to the precedent set on Camano with the Four Springs Farm; a good model for the future of parks in the County, one that can help pay for its own operation and maintenance; he wanted to be sure nothing proposed here precluded that. Mr. Bakke confirmed day use rental facilities are permitted under these modified standards provided the property is the right choice, fits the type use, meets the standards and does not negatively impact the community or adjacent neighbors.

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Ordinance #C-93-02/PLG-016-02 amending the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.03 ICC to establish development standards for Parks. [as adopted GMA #__________].

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE ISLAND COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 17.03 ICC, TO INCORPORATE LAND USE STANDARDS FOR THE PARKS ZONE

) ) ORDINANCE C-93-02 ) PLG-016-02 ) ) )

WHEREAS, the application for DRA 068/02 was proposed by the Planning and Community Development Department to add Parks Zone Standards to Chapter 17.03 ICC; and

WHEREAS, when the Island County Code was adopted in 1998 Parks Zone Standards were not included despite our creation of a Parks Zone and zoning property as Parks in the Comprehensive Plan; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Park Zone Standards have been reviewed for consistency with the Island County Comprehensive Plan including the Parks Element and have been determined to be consistent; and

WHEREAS, the Island County Planning Commission held public hearings on the proposed amendment on May 14, 2002 on Camano Island at the Camano Senior Center and a second public hearing on May 28, 2002 in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room in Coupeville. During the hearings, Planning and Community Development staff presented to the planning Commission and the public the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, all public input provided during the hearing was in support of the proposed amendment. No additional written testimony was provided following the hearing; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission concluded that this proposal, as amended, would ensure orderly and compatible development of Parks land in Island County and expressed unanimous support for the proposed amendments; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission declares that Parks are an essential Public asset and should be given flexibility to meet the broad range of needs presented by our local community; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to WAC 197-11-600, the County SEPA official has determined that the proposed changes to Chapters 17.03 relating to the development standards for the Parks Zone are not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact that was not considered in the environmental documents prepared for the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED that amendments to Chapter 17.03 ICC, attached hereto as Exhibit A, that establish development standards for the Parks Zone are adopted. Material underlined is added.

Reviewed this 4 day of November, 2002 and set for public hearing at 10:30 a.m. on the 2 day of December, 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board

Revised on November 18, 2002. See Inserted Page.

Reviewed this 18^th day of Nov., 2002 and set for public meeting at 10:30 a.m. on the 16^th day of Dec., 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Ellen K. Meyer, Deputy

Clerk of the Board

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16 day of December, 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

DAVID L. JAMIESON, JR.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

& Island County Code Reviser

[Exhibit placed on file with the Clerk of the Board]

Ordinance #C-94-02, PLG-017-02, amending the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.03 ICC to establish standards for Rural Event Centers

As Mr. Bakke noted, the Planning Department sponsored this amendment in conjunction with members of the community who had old farming activities slowly being transformed over the years, such as the Morris Farm, into some event-type activities in association with weddings, etc. The Planning Commission held hearings, one on Camano May 14, another in Coupeville on May 28, and deliberated on the matter June 11 and recommended approval . This adds a definition of rural event center; specific standards and modifies language in the Rural Agriculture zone. Particular attention was given to this by the Planning Department, Planning Commission and the community to try to ensure standards allow siting these where it makes sense, i.e. large pieces of property without a great number of neighbors so as to not adversely impact the immediate or surrounding community. A home on site is a requirement; and item M on page 8 sets forth standards to be accomplished with that type permit, and the number of 200 people can be exceeded, however it would become a matter of a public hearing requirement before the Hearing Examiner in order to exceed that number.

Bob Whitlow, Fort Casey, recalled his inquiry over a year ago of the Planning Department about regulations for weddings, since a number had been done at the Colonel Crockett B&B Inn. He met with staff on two occasions who were then writing regulations for rural event centers and had them on site to demonstrate how much 5 acres was and that 200 people on 2 acres of land rattle around, noting it is a lot of room. He wanted to be confident that rural event centers would be allowed thus applicants not have to come back for approval when there is an event coming up. His main concern was item g on page 8 stating “No off-street parking or loading area shall be permitted within 50 feet of a side or rear property” and thought that excessive.

Commissioner Thorn explained that the requirement was for the purpose of providing a buffer for the neighbors since there would be a lot of cars coming and going which could mean a lot of disruption. Mr. Bakke commented that the Rural Zone has a 50’ setback now under the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan stresses the need for having those buffers between non-residential uses and neighboring properties; 50’ is the number that was developed years’ ago and consistently implemented to achieve that buffer.

Marianne Edain asked about the maximum number of events allowed at one of these sites in any given year. If no maximum has been specified, it is a deficiency that should be corrected in the Ordinance. Without a maximum, there could be a spot-zoned NR use in a rural neighborhood. Mr. Bakke explained that when the Planning Department reviews an application under this provision the applicant has to explain the duration and number of events that would be occurring. That would be one of the factors used to determine how stringent to apply standards and setbacks, etc. He envisioned that permits would include limitation on the number of events based upon the size of the property, location, access, neighbors, etc.

Roger Purdue, Coupeville, asked about the meaning of “in keeping with the character of the area”. He did think that when 200 cars are parked, for example, along a hay field on Ebey’s Prairie, it could be a visual feeling to others around where they would not like it, and it would be nice to plan it ahead of time. Mr. Bakke explained that the County applies character standards to each of the zones; but those standards are not spelled out.

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Ordinance #C-94-02/ PLG-017-02 amending the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.03 ICC to establish standards for Rural Event Centers. [as adopted GMA

#________]

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING CHAPTER 17.03 ICC, THE ISLAND COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, TO INCORPORATE A DEFINITION AND STANDARDS FOR RURAL EVENT CENTERS

) ) ORDINANCE C- 94 -02 ) PLG-017-02 ) ) )

WHEREAS, the application for CPA 069/02 Rural Event Centers was requested by the Island County Planning Director to establish a new allowed use and associated land use standards that would govern the use. The proposed application was duly docketed for Planning Commission consideration and the Department’s required report forwarded to the Planning Commission within the prescribed time period; and

WHEREAS, the Island County Planning Commission held two public hearings on the proposed amendments. The first publicly noticed hearing was held on May 14, 2002 at the Camano Multi Purpose Facility located on Camano Island. The second publicly noticed hearing was held on May 28, 2002 in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room in Coupeville; and

WHEREAS, during both hearings, Planning and Community Development staff presented to the Planning Commission and the public the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. During both hearings, an opportunity was provided for the public to address the proposed amendments. No public comments were received in any form prior to the June 4^th deadline established by the Planning Commission during its May 28, 2002 hearing; and

WHEREAS, Rural Event Centers provide an economic opportunity that is consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan including preservation of rural character, providing for environmentally friendly commercial opportunities, encouraging tourism as an industry and providing local employment opportunities for Island County residents; and

WHEREAS, on June 11, 2002 the Planning Commission concluded that this proposal is consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and recommended adoption; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to WAC 197-11-600, the County SEPA official has determined that the proposed changes to Chapter 17.03 ICC relating to the incorporation of development standards for Rural Event Centers is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact that was not considered in the environmental documents prepared for the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED that amendments to Chapter 17.03 ICC, attached hereto as Exhibit A, that establishes development standards for Rural Event Centers are adopted. Material stricken through is deleted and material underlined is added.

Reviewed this 4 day of November, 2002 and set for public hearing at 10:30 a.m. on the 2 day of December, 2002.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

William F. Thorn, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board

Revised on Nov. 18, 2002. See Inserted Page.

Reviewed this 18^th day of Nov., 20