This was originally posted to: Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

GIPAC Minutes April 6, 2015

 

Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

April 6, 2015

6:30 – 8:15 pm

 

Minutes

 

  1. Chair Nancy Fox called the meeting  to order at 6:30 PM. Members present: Sandy McKean, Nancy Fox, Hal Rooks, Stella Spring, Allen Bush, Patty Rose and Gary Curtis, Emeritus. Other citizens present: Marianne Kooiman, Steve Orsini and Edith Walden.

 

  1. Minutes –

     

    March  2 GIPAC  minutes  were approved as corrected by previous emails.

     

    Minutes from the Skagit County Health Department meeting with Guemes community on March 26 were read and discussed.The county now allows rainwater catchment, but the county will not approve a system without a stamp from an engineer hired by the homeowner. Minutes of the public meeting were approved with the above change about engineer approval of catchment systems.  

 

  1. Treasurer’s Report

     

    Hal Rooks reported that GIPAC has $3,703.81.

 

  1. Marijuana regulations: review and approve testimony for hearing April 7th .

     

Hal explained the letter he drafted for the hearing, and Michael said he would be willing to present our testimony. Sandy objected to GIPAC’s emphasis on water use: he worries it might limit future agriculture on the island. Sandy suggested that instead GIPAC should emphasize that marijuana production is inconsistent with the rural character and zoning of Guemes Island since it requires large buildings, bright 24 hour lighting, 8 foot fences, security cameras, the use of large sized equipment, and other industrial elements.

 

Allen said he has a problem with marijuana growing because there are not mandated practices. This is probably a state problem. It was stated that any GIPAC member with a dissenting view can send an email to Skagit County. Gary said we can reinforce what the County is doing with our statement as written.

 

The vote was 6 in favor, 1 opposed to present Hal’s letter as written to the

County hearing. GIPAC opposes Marijuana growing on Guemes Island.

 

  1. Seawater Intrusion Policy:  review notes from March 26th Health Dept. meeting and determine next steps. The process that the county is following ie.two months to a new seawater intrusion plan, is pretty fast. Guemes, as a critical area, is a special case.

 

 

Context: the subarea plan emphasizes our concern with seawater intrusion. Right now we have an opportunity to give feedback before the County releases a formal review draft at the end of April.

 

Water meters should be required for all new development and encouraged for existing residences. Edith is planning a sidebar for the Tide on how to read the meter.  GIPAC could do a sample log and include information that Skagit County is compiling. If we want to do an insert for the Tide, May would be a good time. It is good to discover leaks, but Allen suggested that it is also important to monitor our use to educate people about overpumping.  Holiday Hideaway should have some good information. Gary-water meters are a nominal cost, maybe $60, and can be installed by  the homeowner.

 

Land elevations: we are concerned that Google maps is not accurate as to elevations. GIPAC recommends a licensed surveyor or a system authorized by the health department which measures elevation within one foot accuracy.

 

Reverse Osmosis Steve Orsini stated that people with senior water rights may have to build a catchment system or seawater reverse osmosis system because existing wells are threatened when new wells are drilled.

 

Accessory Dwelling Units should be prohibited if the water source contains 25 ppm. of salt(9-12 ppm is pretty normal). There would be no restriction on building an ADU if the homeowner puts in a catchment system.

 

We need to look at the details of the county proposal when it comes out. We are concerned about pumping rates.  In certain areas well drillers need to consult with the health department before drilling. Is there a group of people who would like to work on a proposal ahead of the draft?

 

Steve-Orsini spoke urging us to ask the county to require catchment or RO for any new water systems on the north end of the island. We need to ask Skagit County to complete an aquifer recharge study and we should let the county know if we will be recommending a ban on new wells in the north end of the island.

 

Data collection and analysis-the committee agreed it is premature for the county to hire an intern until we have a plan for incorporating existing data. We need to get a better grip on water levels and chlorides with twice a year measurements. We want to protect existing wells, not shut wells down.  It may be necessary to restrict drilling and pumping in some areas.

 

Nancy will send Corinne Storey at the health department a letter explaining our positions. For now Nancy will take out #3 on data collection (Property owners should be required to give the Health Department access to collect samples from new wells. The letter is not our final proposal, but the next communication.

Nancy reported that work was proceeding on updating the GIPAC bylaws and articles of incorporation, in consultation with attorney Mary Brennan.  GIPAC discussed Mary's involvement and voted unanimously to approve up to $500 for her legal help with rewriting the bylaws and articles of incorporation.

 

 

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

 

 

Patty Rose, Secretary

 

 

 

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