2007 CMPD Meeting Minutes

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

At the Chuckanut Fire Hall #6, Bellingham, Washington

(mailing address 204 Viewcrest Road, Bellingham 98229)

December 11, 2007

Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Frank Eventoff, Ken Wilcox, Kris Wilcox, Vivian Bartlett, Ruth Ann Mayer, Joe Yaver, Pam Went, Brian Benjamin

Minutes: The minutes from the November 27, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

Financial: Treasurer Joanne Peterson reported on the balances in both accounts. (Statements attached in permanent record.) Pam reported that she had just received a generous $2000.00 contribution for the CMPD effort. She agreed to deposit it in the savings account for Joanne.

Boundary Review Board: Bob reported that Pat Atkinson is out of town so he had no new update. He presented the dates for the coming year’s election cycles. There was discussion about the filing dates for the 2008 scheduled election days.

General Informational Updates/OLD BUSINESS

Blanchard Mountain: There are ongoing legal activities.

Chuckanut Ridge: The EIS process is moving forward. Responsible Development is working with a professional consultant. January 16, 2008 is the scoping hearing for the EIS. Many citizens have indicated an interest in attending. Joe discussed the process that is playing out between the bank, the developer, the city, and the citizens.

Logging: Ruth Ann reported on two new logging projects near her home off Chuckanut Drive. Bob pointed out records that indicate that much of the land in that area, including the land now being logged, is owned by people who live out of the State of Washington.

University Street: A private owner has applied to put in a road off of Chuckanut Drive, north and east of the Chuckanut Gallery. Although he has already begun taking down trees his application was returned and a SEPA has been requested.

KGMI: There has still been no response to correspondence sent in relation to the recent diatribe.

NEW BUSINESS

Several agencies have been called to our attention and contact is being made and will be followed up. They include the Nature Conservancy, the Trust for Public Lands and the North Cascades Institute. These are organizations whose missions are in line with the goals and objectives of the CMPD.

Brian offered some questions including the following:

He understood that the Advisory Committee couldn’t set specific objectives for the future commissioners, but wondered if the studies we refer to would indicate the sort of goals CMPD would have. Bob answered that Yes, these studies reflect years of work and research that has never been funded. Brian was provided with a copy of a CD with a collection of the studies for his review.

Brian asked for clarification about CMPD AC meeting times; he had had difficulty learning this from the CMPD website. After an explanation, it was agreed that Brian’s suggestion that meeting times be published in the press

along with the website and circulated minutes was worthy of consideration.

Brian asked about the relationship between Tacoma’s MPD and the proposed CMPD. The main difference is that the CMPD’s focus is local and is focused on preserving open space and wild lands. The AC has been in contact with Tacoma and the other MPDs in the state and has learned from and been offered help by them.

Brian asked for an explanation about how the commissioners’ times in office would be staggered once elected. As outlined in the petition and the RCWs, it was explained that the five commissioners would initially serve different length terms depending on the number of votes received (the longest term to the greatest number of votes). Over time, commissioners will serve four-year turns with staggered turn over.

Brian asked about what check there was on commissioners once elected. The primary check is simply that they are local—residing within the district, they are elected, three of five of them drawn from specific areas of the district. It will be very similar to other special service districts in this regard.

Brian offered his concern that the opposition s “getting the better” of the CMPD AC in the PR campaign. He suggested that there needs to be more response to the concerns that they raise. This was followed by a discussion about the timing of the actual campaign once the proposal is permitted to move forward, and about what has been done over the past two years in the way of public education and involvement.

Adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

Secretary for the CMPD AC

==END==

Present: Bob Gibb, Rudy Schaad, Joe Yaver, Frank Eventoff, Joanne Peterson, Vivian Bartlett, Ruth Ann Mayer, Pam Went.

Minutes: the minutes from the November 13, 2007 meeting were approved as written, with a provision for consideration of comments from the invited guests as solicited.

Financial: Treasurer Joanne Peterson reported on the balances in both accounts. (Statements attached in permanent record.) Pam was asked to transfer $500 from savings to checking.

Compact Disks: Bob has had CDs made professionally that include the four major studies for planning consideration by CMPD Commissioners. He has distributed some to those who have requested them. Pam was given another to deliver to a supporter who has requested one. Discussion about suggesting donations in the future when such requests are made in order to cover costs of reproduction. Frank offered to burn additional copies. Donations will be gratefully accepted to defray costs incurred by the CMPD Advisory Committee.

Boundary Review Board: There has been no report on the selection of a lead agency to review the SEPA document. The two counties are working together.

Blanchard Mountain Informational Update: The lawsuit questioning the SEPA and the trust management is preceding.

Chuckanut Ridge/Fairhaven Highlands Informational Update: Nothing will be done now before the first of the new year. The scoping process will proceed then and public input will be solicited.

Additional Development: A developer has begun the application process for putting a road in off Chuckanut Drive for a single-family development adjacent to Chuckanut Ridge.

Upcoming Meetings: Gerry (who was unable to join us) would like to arrange a future program to include John McLaughlin and a panel to discuss a philosophy for property acquisition. There was consensus that, although not appropriate at present, this was an excellent program to offer in the future.

KGMI: Bob has heard nothing back from the radio station regarding his letter in objection to the one-sided, apparently orchestrated negative tirade against the CMPD proposal.

Ruth Ann asked about the difficulty with the SEPA and Boundary Review. Bob explained to her that, in part, the difficulties come from the fact that the form the CMPD AC was required to complete is actually not applicable for projects such as the formation of a park district. The actual formation of a special service district has no environmental impact whatsoever. Hence all the confusion. In addition, the counties are striving to ensure that the whole process is done absolutely correctly in the event there is some sort of legal objection.

Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Frank Eventoff, Rudy Schaad, Joe Yaver, Kris Wilcox, Ken Wilcox, Ann Eissinger, Sarah Bishop, Barbara Zielstra, Hue Beattie, Bill Hinely; Pam Went

Special Guests: Bob Vaux, Skagit Valley Parks & Recreation; Bill Wallace, Region Manager, Washington State Department of Natural Resources; Paul Leuthold, Bellingham Parks & Recreation; Lynn Givler, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation.; Kendra Smith, Skagit County Planning Department.

Minutes: The minutes from the October 23, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

Financial: Treasurer Joanne Peterson reported on the balances in both accounts. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Bob reported that there had been a meeting with the Skagit Valley Herald Editorial Board. The Boundary Review Boards, as lead agencies, are seeking to contract out the SEPA Review.

The evening’s program included representatives from various jurisdictions speaking about the idea of a CMPD and its pros and cons from their perspective. Representatives were also encouraged to consider becoming park district commissioners due to their exceptional qualifications, noting that the chairman of the Blaine/Birch Bay Park and Recreation District is the Chief Ranger at the Birch Bay State Park.

Ken provided an overview of specifically what is proposed with the CMPD, and what is not. He explained how public agencies have for many years developed conservation master plans that have hardly been implemented. Specifically he referenced the Cascades to Chuckanut Conservation Plan (2004), the Chuckanut Mountain Trails Master Plan (1996), the Chuckanut Drive State Route 11 Corridor Management Plan (2003), and the City of Bellingham Habitat Study (2003, 2005). The primary purpose of the CMPD would be to make these happen—to conserve precious, sensitive lands as identified by these public agencies on behalf of citizens. Ken further outlined the ability of the park district to leverage the local money with grants and other routinely available matching funds.

Regarding the proposed boundaries, it was explained that Sehome Hill is included simply because it is identified as the northern end of the Chuckanuts, and has been documented in numerous studies as a high-risk habitat area due to its isolated status. A goal could be to create collaboration of management to help provide a biodiverse and environmentally contiguous area.

Bob noted that there is a myth circulating that the WWU precinct was included to obtain student votes. Documented voting records reveal that there are a minimal number of votes cast in that precinct. Students vote at home.

The concern regarding eminent domain is unjustified simply because private, developed property would not generally be of any interest to a park district focused on protecting sensitive, critical areas. Because exercising eminent domain is a costly legal process it is not done by service districts. It is political suicide for local elected Commissioners.

Paul Leuthold asked about the language about expanding recreation opportunities. He wondered if this could pose a potential conflict between districts in the event property is available for purchase. He asked for a definition of “recreation” as the term can encompass a large variety of activities. Both Bob and Ken elaborated on the CMPD’s goals for more passive activities in the Chuckanuts.

Lyn Carpenter inquired about potential conflict with other similar missions such as Greenways and the City Parks with regard to funding. Barbara Zielstra pointed out that as a resident who would be affected, she values all these missions and would have no problem supporting each of them.

Paul asked if only the lands purchased by the park district would be cared for by the park district. Bob pointed out that land trusts often purchase land and then establish agreements with parks departments to manage them. Paul pointed out he has difficulty maintaining the level of service now required let alone having more to manage. Bob pointed out that the park district is a source of needed funds. Ann spoke to the park district as an opportunity to support these needs along with increased educational measures to ensure the public uses the opportunities better. Bob spoke to the unique nature of the Chuckanut Mountain Range as identified in the numerous studies. With the lack of any collective oversight, there is fear that with growth pressures this unique area will be subdivided and destroyed in the near future.

Bob pointed out the special talent that those who work in this area could bring to the position of park district commissioner.

Bob Vaux explained that his organization has no land in the proposed district. His biggest concern is any new tax could compete with its tax base. He supports the democratic process and applauds the CMPD effort and pointed out that Skagit and Whatcom County Parks Departments work well together on a regular basis. He noted that Parks and Recreation is complex work and agreed we face huge challenges with the anticipated growth in our area.

Lynn Gilver said that Whatcom County would have a lot of parkland in the district and wondered what the implications were. Ken referred to the trail plan and suggested it could be the guide including some 30 miles of trails including long anticipated connections. She expressed concern over funds for maintenance and operations and was assured the park district comes with funding for these long desired goals.

Ann pointed out that not only is there ongoing need for maintenance and operations but that tens of thousands of people are moving here yearly. The cost to continually provide the necessary infrastructure for this growing need for services is coming exclusively from our property taxes.

Lynn Givler noted that Whatcom County Parks is charged with Lake Whatcom and North Central County as their immediate primary focus.

Bill Wallace questioned the extension of the boundary a bit into the Lake Whatcom Watershed. It was explained that the precinct boundary caused the eastern extension. He was concerned about jurisdictional confusion between overlapping districts. He asked about the status of the SEPA and Bob reiterated that there is a memorandum of understanding between the BRBs and they are seeking an impartial agency to perform the evaluation on their behalf.

Bill Wallace agreed that we all need to be prepared for growth; it needs to go somewhere and be managed. And we need to be prepared for increased public use and it will be challenging. DNR currently has a good collaborative working relationship with State Parks and both Skagit County and Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Departments. The question is, how is the park district value added to the process. He shares concerns about another taxing district competing for dollars from the same base.

Barbara Zielstra referred to her experience as a petitioner, speaking with people about a very specific area that they care about. She said that the CMPD represents “value added” to these citizens who say this is important to us and we’re willing to pay for it.

Bill Hinely pointed out that the earth is not designed to provide every single thing people want from it. He asked what could be more important than preserving the unique biodiversity and environmental benefit of the Chuckanuts.

Ken added that the proposed CMPD represents the voice of the people who want this, not just the petitioners but also those who have supported the aforementioned studies. That is the value added the CMPD brings.

A guest asked if the CMPD would work with the Nature Conservancy and Bob said “yes, absolutely!” enthusiastically. He also noted other agencies such as both local land trusts and People for Puget Sound, the Puget Sound Shoreline Alliance and other non-profits groups with similar goals.

Kendra echoed concerns over more taxes and competition for dollars and wondered if there weren’t already other agencies with the same goal. Ann addressed this explaining that that they’re a numerous agencies that continually make the Chuckanuts a priority but have not had the funding to proceed. The proposed park district is the first to address the Chuckanuts as a whole and bring necessary funding to address its mission. Kendra wondered is perhaps it should start smaller suggesting it was “a large bite”. The responses reminded her that it is a large bite because it is a large mountain range! Ann noted that the concentrated growth in Western Washington is along I-5 as it’s a vector for development. It’s a wonder that this area has not been more destroyed than it has.

Ken closed by asking park representatives to think of the CMPD as supportive rather than competitive.

Copies of the CD containing the C2C Plan, the Chuckanut Trails Plan, the Chuckanut Drive Corridor Plan and the Bellingham Habitat Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study were requested by Jan Davis of Bow, Jane Wynn of the Samish Neighborhood and Ruth Ann Mayer of Oyster Creek Lane, Bow. Bob promised to make copies for them.

Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Gerry Wilbour, Rudy Schaad, Ken Wilcox, Frank Eventoff, Pam Went, Vivian Bartlett and Hue Beatti.

Minutes: The minutes from the October 9, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

Financial: Treasurer Joanne Peterson reported on the balances in both accounts. (Statements attached in permanent record.) Outstanding checks were discussed. Pam collected the necessary signatures to update the signers on our account.

Boundary Review & SEPA: Discussion of proposed augmentations to the SEPA. These were unanimously accepted and will be submitted.

Discussion of content for cover letter for Whatcom County to accompany above submittal. Content was unanimously accepted.

Discussion of cover letter for Skagit BRB; above was accepted, additions discussed and accepted.

Letter to Fire District #6: Based upon the above consensus Gerry will now follow up and compose the letter for the Fire District Commissioners.

Chuckanut Ridge: Bob gave a brief overview and the status of the new EIS. He reported that a small group including Responsible Development, have been meeting with Letitia Wheeler, one of the unsuccessful bidders as consultant to the rigged so-called EIS being conducted with the city on the CR/FH property by Horizon Bank. Ms. Wheeler did the EIS 10 years ago, did her Masters thesis on one of the wetlands in the property and is believed to be the most knowledgeable environmental expert about this property. She has a team of expert consultants and has agreed to coordinate the scoping and DEIS. The process is building the case for a court challenge, if the COB and Horizon remain in denial and require the process to go that far

Ken and Gerry had a good meeting with the Board of Directors of Sustainable Connections.

By Laws: Rudy will finalize the draft and circulate via email for consideration and eventual approval.

CMPD AC meeting November 13^th: The Skagit County Parks Director has indicated that he may attend the meeting. We will consider inviting Whatcom County Parks Michael McFarlane, Larrabee State Parks Scott Chalfant and Washington State Parks Regional Planner Derek Gustafson to attend as well

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

Chuckanut Fire Hall #6, Bellingham, Washington

October 9, 2007

Present: Bob Gibb, Rudy Schaad, Joanne Peterson, Gerry Wilbour, Frank Eventoff, Hue Beatti, and Vivian Bartlett.

Called to order at 7:10 PM by Bob Gibb, President.

Minutes: Approved as amended.

Financial: Treasurer Joanne Peterson reported on the balances in both accounts. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Reports:

Boundary Review Board: The county attorneys have apparently proposed a memorandum of agreement and it is being considered by the BRBs.

Fire District Letter Response: Gerry reported that there was no progress on drafting the response letter. After discussion, Pam agreed to call Lynn Ttrznka to clarify the district’s concerns and get back to Gerry and Frank.

By Laws: Although we have followed Roberts Rules of Order we would like to complete the process of establishing our bylaws for the Advisory Group. Rudy agreed to go over the draft and produce a final version for consideration and acceptance at our next meeting.

Blanchard Informational Update: The group opposing the agreement is proceeding with its lawsuit.

Chuckanut Ridge/”Fairhaven Highlands” Informational Update: The EIS contractual agreement has not yet been signed by City officials.

Contact with Governor Gregoire: Frank had the opportunity to discuss the proposed CMPD with the Washington State Governor at a town hall meeting in Bellingham on October 9. Her office has since requested more information. As Hue has also had contact with her office, he and Frank requested that Bob, as President, respond to the request for information from the Governor’s office. Frank will provide Bob with the name and address of the person in her office making the request.

Whatcom & Skagit County Parks: The Skagit Parks Director indicated to Frank that he would attend the November 13th meeting. Bob suggested that we might consider inviting the Whatcom County Parks Director to come as well and explain to us the proposed land exchange/acquisition from the DNR in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.

Presentations: Gerry and Frank reported on their presentation, earlier in the evening, to the
RESources Board. It went very well and in way of support they were offered access to the organization’s mailing list for communications.

Their next presentation will be with Sustainable Connections.

The Skagit Valley Herald Editorial Board has invited us to a meeting and Frank will follow up and make the necessary arrangements when their publisher returns from Europe.

Adjournment by consensus at 8:15 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

Secretary for the CMPD AC

==END==

Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Joanne Peterson, Rudy Schaad, Joe Yaver, Frank Eventoff, Ken Wilcox, Kris Wilcox, Vivian Bartlett and guests.

Minutes: The minutes from the September 11, 2007 meeting were approved as amended.

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Election of Officers: nominations and voting were completed on line. Members present moved/seconded/passed an affirmation of the election of the following officers for the CMPD Advisory Committee: Joanne Peterson, Treasurer; Pam Went, Secretary; Frank Eventoff, Vice President; Bob Gibb, President. Also confirmed was the election of the Board of Trustees as follows: Sarah Bishop, Ann Eissinger, Frank Eventoff, Robert Gibb, Cathy McKenzie, Joanne Peterson, Pam Went, Gerry Wilbour, Ken Wilcox, Kris Wilcox, Joe Yaver and with the addition of Rudy Schaad replacing Jim Caldwell. Nine affirmed and three abstained.

Boundary Review Report: Bob reported that the State Department of Ecology has named the Whatcom County Boundary Review Board as the Lead Agency to review the CMPD SEPA documents. They will be contracting this out and will let us know how to proceed. Bob read the letter from our attorney regarding the requested extension of the deadline until the SEPA review is complete.

Letter from Fire Districts: At the request from the chair of the joint Fire Departments’ meeting that Ken attended, Ken, Frank and Gerry graciously agreed to compose a letter of response from the CMPD Advisory Committee.

Informational Meeting of September 20^th: A very informative meeting was held at the Fairhaven Library Fireplace Room with a power point presentation by Gerry and excellent questions from those who attended.

· Concern about fewer voters in Skagit County vs. Whatcom County: Bob explained the extensive, lengthy, open process that led to the boundaries put forward by the petition. Bob noted that topography was the main feature defining the boundaries.

· Sees land as protected by current zoning: Both Frank and Ken explained examples where zoning changes from timber to developable land has occurred very quickly.

· Concern about WWU being included in the boundary: Bob explained that this was driven by topography as the Sehome Hill is considered the northern end of the Chuckanuts. He also noted that voter records show that student voters are very transient, often vote in their home districts and are not a significant factor in elections. Bob noted that in the last primary election there was a total of four votes from that precinct; and in the last Greenways levy there were 20 votes, 18 for and 2 against.

· Question about the type for SEPA form completed: Bob explained that our application was a non-development application, as the formation of a park district has no impact on the land as nothing is being constructed in doing so. By law, the SEPA review will be made public and open for responses.

· Question regarding land use regulatory authority: The CMPD, like all park districts, would have no regulatory authority over land use by private or public owners; rather Skagit County Commissioners and the Whatcom County Council would have that authority.

· “Its’ a great idea and I understand what you’re doing, but I want to see a master plan!” Ken referred the guest to the multiple plans that have been created over the past two decades by land trusts, nonprofits and county entities in both Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The CMPD is designed to generate the funds to bring these plans into reality. The Advisory Committee, however, is not empowered by the RCWs to create a master plan; that will be the first job for the publicly elected commissioners. These plans include the Chuckanut to Cascades Corridor Plan, Skagit County Parks Plan, The Bellingham Wildlife Assessment, the Chuckanut Mountains Trail Plan, and the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. Ken agreed to list all the plans on our website and create links where possible.

· Concern over the existing problems with shootings and other nuscience problems on public and private lands: One thing a park district could do is fund a dedicated, deputized enforcement officer to assist with such problems.

Editorial in Skagit Valley Herald: a recent editorial was perceived by some as extraordinarily misinformed and misleading. Bob shared a draft of a letter he’d composed in response. There was consensus that it was a good letter and should be sent on the CMPD AC’s behalf.

A guest offered what was considered an excellent idea. That is, to create a buffer around private properties. Consensus of those present that this was an excellent idea for commissioners to be encouraged to establish at the outset.

Discussion about the CMPD being a well funded advocate for issues relating to preserving critical and sensitive open space and the power that comes with that status.

Present: Bob Gibb, Frank Eventoff, Joe Yaver, Cathy McKenzie, Kris Berger, Ken Wilcox, Joanne Peterson, Pam Went, Gerry Wilbour, Rudy Schaad, Christopher Grannis, Dennis Jones, Bernie Goetz, and guests from Bow, Edison, Lake Samish, Samish Neighborhood and others (attendance clipboard was not returned and may have disappeared…)

Minutes: The minutes from the August 14, 2007 meeting were approved with the date changed in the heading. No minutes were taken on August 28, as it was an informational gathering and not a business meeting. Minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 4, 2007 were approved.

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.) She noted a new donation of $500.

SEPA: The Boundary Review Board Hearings in both counties are postponed pending the Department of Ecology establishing a SEPA lead agency for the CMPD.

Facilitation was turned over to co chair Gerry Wilbour who introduced our guests.

Department of Natural Resources: We welcomed back Bill Wallace from the DNR. He addressed the group on the subject of fire response. There are approximately 6700 acres of DNR land in the proposed district. DNR is responsible for protection of both state and private forestlands. It is the largest fire department in the state. The federal, state and local levels work together in a cooperative manner. He outlined how responses are activated, coordinated and implemented under an incident command system (ICS). They also work on prevention through local fire districts to educate the public, as the biggest cause of fires across the state is human action. He also said that lightening caused fires could be the most problematic. Bill was asked how many of the district fire fighters in the Chuckanuts have red card certification to fight forest fires as opposed to structure fires. Bill did not know. Bill was asked if all applicable grants are regularly applied for and Bill did not know that either. Bill was asked if the state and Whatcom County parks have any red card trained people to serve Larrabee and Whatcom County park land. Dave Franklin, responded that the Chuckanut Fire District has responsibility for Larrabee State Park coordinated with other districts in the area. Most of their training is for structural fires; most are not red card certified to fight forest fires. Dave was asked if water is a problem and he answered that it is. Foam is being used sometimes, and is being considered. Commissioners are not fire fighters, Dave explained, rather they have the fiduciary responsibility for the district.

Bill explained that all he had been describing would continue unaffected should the proposed park district be created. He stated that the park district could provide “opportunities to do more” but that they are proud of what they have in place. Bill noted that there are no budget increases that accompany growth in development and tourism. When asked if a park district levy would affect sources for funds for the DNR Bill explained that it would not. He also explained how a landowner could apply to be self-sufficient in fire fighting but they must meet or exceed the DNR capability. Bill was asked how quickly they could respond by air and he said it changes constantly depending on where resources are at any given time. There are no guarantees; there are resources in the region but none just sitting there at their disposal. There was a question about using retardant drops in areas with critical habitat and Bill said they would try to avoid such areas. Bill explained they are responsible for the five county area: Island, San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom. There was a question regarding Sudden Valley and what a big fire could mean to lake water quality. The focus is on preplanning with education regarding what communities can do to prevent and/or slow fires. Gerry noted that the administrative model that the State/Federal ICS uses is employed by other services including Homeland Security. In addition, FEMA is now under Homeland Security and can call on this ICS system. The DNR continues to work with private forest property owners on education and prevention. When asked if there were a park district, and it came and offered resources and equipment if that would be helpful. Bill deferred to Dave who responded “absolutely!” adding that they would like to address foam for example. An Edison Fire District #5 Commissioner explained that their goal is prevention and they have done a lot including buying compressed air foam trucks, which are great for suppression. They work closely with the DNR for instruction and direction if needed. Homeowners in the Chuckanut Ridge Road area have joined the Fire Wise Program though, in his opinion, “if that hill starts we’re in trouble” so suppression and prevention are their focus. They agree that the source of fires is human cause, thus the focus on prevention and education in an area that is very susceptible to fire. Gerry affirmed the effectiveness on the incident command system, but noted that a huge percentage of the trained staff are within five years of retirement.

Gerry explained that, in his opinion, the proposed park district plans related to fire fighting were modest. Should the district form and hire crews for construction, maintenance or stewardship projects, they should be red carded and could patrol, warn and educate campers and hikers. He asked the DNR and Fire Districts for their feedback on that being an appropriate role.

Rather than promote tourism and recreational use, Gerry explained the district would be oriented toward managing the existing and anticipated use by improving trails and trail heads to help keep use in appropriate places. Rather than trying to attract people, the district would have a mission of protecting wild lands. The advantage of a park district is that it has local control, it has a clear mission and it sticks to that mission. When formed, the park district’s elected commissioners would develop a master plan likely based on the numerous studies and plans that have been done for this area over the years in both Skagit and Whatcom Counties, but that lacked funds. These plans continue to be developed but never come into being because they lack a source of revenue. The CMPD is designed to fund plans such as these, yet the advisory committee advocating for its formation is not empowered by law to develop a master plan, only commissioners representing the voters could do that.

Dave Franklin of the Chuckanut District #6 explained the history of the CMPD advisory committee using their hall. He also pointed out that commissioners protect the tax base for their district and there are 17 fire districts in Whatcom County. Their own district is looking at merging with Lake Samish in order to enhance their abilities. Dave said he felt that because the proposal for the park district could not be more specific in its mission and plans at this time that he and fellow commissioners could not support it. He also called attention to the fact that anti park district signs were being defaced. He concluded there is a lack of trust of government, confusion among different agencies, and a perceived lack of a clear mission. Gerry asked him how the advisory committee could address his concerns and was told to eliminate power of eminent domain (ask Boundary Review to do?) and remove the university from the boundary. He was also concerned that a CMPD would compete for limited needed tax dollars within his district including 830 residences. Gerry noted that we researched the issue and that the law that allows MPDs to be formed is over 100 years old, it has always allowed MPDs to exercise eminent domain and no MPD has ever exercised that power. Furthermore, members of the advisory committee have requested in writing that the State Legislature consider eliminating the power of eminent domain from the statute. When Dave was asked if he realized a fire district also has eminent domain, Dave said he did not realize they did and said they would never use it, as it would make him very unpopular. However, it was noted, that unlike the proposed district their mission does not include acquiring land.

Further concerns were noted regarding the need for a clear mission and Gerry reiterated that it was essentially preservation of wild open space and that under the objective criteria used for deciding what to but, no existing residential property would come close to qualifying, areas are too disturbed and ay too expensive.

Edison District 5 Fire Commissioner John Leander spoke about the model Fire Wise program residents of the Chuckanut Ridge community in Skagit County have been trained in and the Quadrant Task Force that has been initiated there to address fire suppression related water supply. The CMPD advisory committee expressed its admiration for such a model community partnership and their support for such collaborative efforts to expand in other areas of the Chuckanuts.

Gerry closed by thanking Bill Wallace and others who answered questions as well as those who asked them.

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

August 14, 2007

Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Rudy Schaad, Frank Eventoff, Ann Eissinger, Sarah Bishop, Pam Went, Ruth Ann Mayer, Deidre Penner, Jake Charlton, Sean Matthews, and Peter ---.

Minutes: The minutes from the July 24^,meeting were approved.

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.) She noted two new donations of $50 each.

Old Business:

Due to the last business meeting being turned over to a question and answer session a CMPD Committee of the Whole met on August 9, in order to work on preparation for the Whatcom County Boundary Review Board Hearing. The minutes from this meeting were approved.

Whatcom County Boundary Review: Ann explained to visitors what the BRB process is. Bob read his letter to legislators requesting omission of eminent domain from the Park District statute. We will have 30 minutes to present and there will be 30 minutes provided to any organized opposition as well. In addition there will be three minutes for other comments from those present.

SEPA: We have been informed this may be challenged.

It was noted that other multi-jurisdictional Park Districts in the State of Washington are struggling due to no provision for a source for funding; as a result they are often essentially nonfunctional.

Again it was noted that its both multi-jurisdictional nature as well as its creation initiated by petition is what continues to make this proposal unusual and challenging for authorities. Although provided for in the RCW, this has not been done before in the State of Washington.

The annual report is due for the Secretary of State’s office. A nominating committee composed of Joanne, Rudy and Frank was appointed in order to establish a slate of candidates for officers to be voted on via email.

A visitor called Peter began asking questions that warmly supported the mission of the proposed Park District, but suggested there was a better way to accomplish it. Through the dialog that followed it was made clear that after many years of working in and on this area through land trusts and other public and private engagements the CMPD Advisory Committee members who began the work that lead to this proposal were confidant that this was indeed our very best hope for those who care about the Chuckanut Mountain range to come together and begin to protect and preserve it. Indeed, upon questioning, Peter could not explain how another newly formed group, known as the North Sound Conservancy, would address its mission.

Consensus adjournment at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Special Meetings:

Tuesday, August 28: 2 p.m., with the Skagit County Commissioners
Tuesday, August 28: :7 p.m. an open informational meeting at Edison School in Skagit County.

==END==

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

Skagit Fire Hall #5

14304 W. Bow Hill Road

July24, 2007

Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Pam Went, Frank Eventoff, Cathy McKenzie, Rudy Schaad, Joe Yaver, Gerry Wibour, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Ann Eissinger, along with Thomas Wakem Eric Chauvin, Kathleen Lundy, Peter Berkin, Julie Hubne, Larry Williams, Earl Steele, Maike and Tracy Schafer and others.

The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Dr. Gibb.

Minutes: Following introductions, the minutes from the July 10^th meeting were approved as written.

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Old Business:

Boundary Reviews: The Whatcom hearing will take place on August 20^th. Bob attended the meeting where they set this date and answered questions for them for half an hour. The Skagit review is scheduled for September 18^th & 19^th.

It was moved, seconded and passed to change the agenda in order to answer questions from those present. Ann suggested that an overview first would be helpful and Gerry agreed to do this along with the slide show. He gave a history of early work in this area going back for decades, including developing a master plan for links and critical open space. Much of this work was funded with outside money including from the Paul Allen Foundation. The goal for years has been to prevent or control development in the Chuckanuts. Gerry went on the explain that the proposed CMPD would have no regulatory control over private properties, yet would be a vehicle for the people in the district to be “at the table” to buy properties available for sale.

Bob talked about his becoming involved when developers wanted to build with high density on forested wetlands near his home. However, as he studied the situation it soon became apparent, as it has to others before him, that all of the land within the Chuckanut Mountain Range represented a unique and precious place worthy of protection.

Ann explained that the CMPD would be a special service district, also called a special purpose district, according the Washington State statute. She then addressed the eminent domain question in relation to the district. Nearly every special purpose district in our State has this under law. In the event a district were to invoke this power, it would have to prove “public necessity” in an open legislative process as well as in a judicial process in Superior Court. There are many safeguards in place by law to protect the public.

Question regarding any use of eminent domain: The DOT and other districts use it only after completing the legal processes required as well as paying fair market value for the property. Historically, organizations working in conservation always find willing sellers of land or development rights, if not outright contributions for additional tax breaks.

Audience members spoke to the biologically unique nature of the area as shown on the slide presentation provided by Ken and Gerry. This is the only area where the mountains meet the sea in the Puget Sound region. Ann sighted work by the Nature Conservancy that has identified this unique environment and the need to protect it from development. She explained the need to coordinate and connect trails so that they can be managed and monitored. This also would facilitate early response for first aid or fire.

Question regarding the ratio of property in the counties: Bob explained that approximately 60% is in Whatcom and 40% in Skagit. The values producing the revenue for the entire district, however, are disproportionately in Whatcom. The part in Bellingham would bring in about two-thirds of the revenue. The district is a whole unto itself, however, and as such, belongs to the citizens who democratically create it regardless of which city or county they live in. Ann and Bob explained that the reason Whatcom citizens are so enthusiastic is because they are seeing the invasive development all around them. They are watching good farmland and forests disappear to profit developers some of who are from out of state.

Question with concern that other park districts seem to use their money to maintain existing parks, if the intent is to buy and preserve property there will be great pressure raise the levy: Bob explained that the levy could only be raised by voters within the district as the petition creating the district established the .25 per $1000. In addition, the elected, representative commissioners will decide how the monies raised will be distributed. It was noted that there are both state and federal matching dollars available only to organizations that are able to receive it with seed money. The CMPD creates a special service district that lets local property owners have a say in how the open space around them is managed and protected. It does not create a park! The management overlay that a district can provide would be very valuable to all entities within it.

Question regarding user fees at trailhead: It generally costs more to collect such fees than can be gained from them. The Washington State Parks tried parking fees recently for two years and abandoned them as useless.

Ken discussed the purchase of conservation easements which is another way that land trusts have worked with owners to protect land. The CMPD would work with our local land trusts in such instances.

Question about who owns land purchased: Frequently such purchases are turned over to a land trust or other public land management agency.

Question to explain about conservation easements: When you own a piece of land you generally own rights to that land such as mineral, development, etc. What organizations like land trusts do is work with willing landowners to establish the value of potential development and compensate for that at fair market value. This creates a tax break for the landowner. Sometimes the development rights are contributed, creating additional tax benefits.

Question that people generally support the preserving of the Chuckanuts, and the intentions of those proposing a way to do it, but what’s to protect landowners years from now from eminent domain: The points made earlier were reiterated, as well as the protection that district voters alone vote in commissioners who represent them and their interests.

Question regarding confusion between a conservation easement, and access or a right- of-way easement: The proposed CMPD would work with land trusts to provide conservation easements and associated tax breaks for those interested. In the highly unlikely event right-of-way or access was requested by a district from unwilling property owners the district would need to establish and meet the legal thresholds required by state law as itemized above in order to obtain such easements.

Question/concern that more research may be needed and an attorney consulted for more full understanding of eminent domain. Concern that the public may be less protected that presented. Examples sighted were of large government agencies taking advantage of individual citizens. Bob noted that the group has worked with the Whatcom County Prosecutors Office as well as a private attorney in creating the proposal as well as with questions that have arisen along the way. This would be a small, local special service district governed by elected commissioners. However, it was agreed that more research will be conducted in order to reassure the public.

Question if whether a land trust structure would be a more cooperative approach, rather than a district which has, inherently, the threat of eminent domain: The ability of a special service district to generate its own funds, unlike a land trust that relies on donations, enables it to seek and bring both state and federal dollars back to benefit the district. Ann addressed the limits of funds of both Skagit and Whatcom land trusts and their support for the idea of a special service agency that could generate funds and protect lands that they value as well.

Question regarding the Blanchard Comprehensive Plan: The CMPD Advisory Committee has no position on it and the plan has nothing to do with the formation of the district. The CMPD would have no regulatory authority over any such agreement or any DNR lands.

Suggestion to look at other park districts in the state to see if they use eminent domain; if not the concern is essentially unwarranted. It was agreed committee members would investigate this and other legal opinions and follow up as soon as the general meeting scheduled in Skagit.

Adjourned at 9:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

NOTE: The original agenda for this meeting concerning the Whatcom County BRB Hearing was tabled until the next meeting, August 14^th. It will be held at the Chuckanut Fire Hall, with a proposed return to the Edison Fire Hall for the meeting on August 28^th.

==END==

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

July 10, 2007

Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Cathy McKenzie, Gerry Wilbour, Ann Eissinger, Frank Eventoff, Pam Went, Ruthann Mayer. Mr. & Mrs. Schafer

Missed: Ruth Gibb, Rudy Schaad, Kathy Mohebbi, Hue Beattie

Minutes: following introductions, the minutes from the June 26^th meeting were approved.

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Whatcom Boundary Review: There still has been no official notice from the Whatcom County Boundary Review Board beyond a phone call at 5 PM, on the day of the deadline, from a woman who had no idea who had initiated it.

Skagit Boundary Review: The BRB did produce a formal notification referencing three petitioners. It is the request from the Skagit Commissioners that was accepted and will go forward.

The Boundary Review Board procedure presents the Advisory Group with a good opportunity to educate the public about what the CMPD is about and what it could do for them. Even the commissioners have misunderstandings and questions that need to be addressed. We intend to make good use of this chance to clear things up and inform people about what a special service district can and cannot do.

Educational/Fund Raising Event: We discussed a proposal to develop an event that could be staged in Larrabee State Park. This would be in order to raise funds for the ongoing expenses of the campaign and primarily to educate people about the advantages of a special service park district for the Chuckanut Range.

CMPD SEPA: there has been no further word on our SEPA.

Informational Updates:

These following report(s) are provided because they concern areas within the proposed special service park district.

They are not in any way related to the work of this advisory group.

Blanchard Mountain: There is no new news as the process is on hold.

Chuckanut Ridge: We are still waiting to hear if the developers will accept the contract negotiated between the City of Bellingham and the contractor.

Guest Questions: Our guests, Mr. and Mrs. Schafer, brought good questions about what a special service park district can and cannot do regarding impact fees, land and development rights purchases from willing sellers, and the need for commissioners who will represent the people who create and own the district. We explained that eminent domain has never been used by a park district and we could not envision where it would be used here; it is simply something the State includes with most special service districts. The DOT and public works are the ones more likely to use it as they continue to develop the necessary infrastructure for expanding development. The $0.25 levy will have been created by petition of the citizens when initiated and thus it would require a vote of the public to change the amount. The proposed special service park district is committed to dealing exclusively with willing sellers of property or development rights.

Adjourned at 9:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

***NOTE: Next regularly scheduled meeting, July 24^th at 7 PM,

is at a different location: Skagit Fire Hall #5, 14304 W. Bow Hill Rd.

(take Bow Hill Rd. exit off I-5 and head west, or Chuckanut Drive to Edison cut off: next to high school in Edison)

==END==

Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Pam Went, Joe Yaver, Rudy Schaad, Frank Eventoff, Hue Beattie, Frank Eventoff, Ann Eissinger, Kathy Mohebbi

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Old Business: A Boundary Review Board hearing has been called in both Whatcom and Skagit Counties. It is a quasi-judicial and very specific legal process. It may simply be a way that each county has determined to publicly address questions that have been raised. We will welcome an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings. Bob reported on various details and technicalities that we are in the process of sorting out. Kathy Mohebbi explained the origins of the Boundary Review process and associated RCWs that govern the process. The review board may only address nine very specific aspects of the proposal under review. Kathy answered questions and indicated that all related records are a matter of public process and as such will be available to us. Bob reminded committee members that any delay that may result from the hearings can put our proposal on the ballot in a possibly more favorable election situation.

These following two reports are provided because they concern areas within the proposed park district.

Blanchard Mountain: Although invited to do so, the CMPD Advisory Group took no action regarding the DNR SEPA Checklist. We understand from a mailing from the State that things are on hold as they analyze the issues that have been raised. Members discussed how the Skagit Valley Herald and some Skagit commissioners appear to regularly confuse the CMPD creation process and the completely unrelated Blanchard Strategies Group.

Chuckanut Ridge: Using the developers suggested RFP, city Planning solicited approximately 75 companies and received 5 responses. The responses that ranged from an estimated 489 to 2082 hours costing from $50,000 to $209,000 to complete the EIS. The company estimating the lowest time and cost, previously recommend by the developer to the city to do the study, was accepted by the city. A contract with that company was negotiated restricting the consultant to only one visit to the site, no wetland or stream delineation and no peer review of the transportation analysis. The contract has been submitted to the developer for approval.

Mitch Friedman’s Request: Mitch has requested that the CMPD Advisory Group circulate a five-page letter from him to the NW Conservancy Board, dealing with the Blanchard Mountain logging controversy. There was consensus that it is not our place to distribute anyone’s information regarding Blanchard Mountain or any other issue that is unrelated to formation of the CMPD.

We recognize that our previous openness has contributed to confusing our issue in the minds of voters. Ann proposed that we develop clear talking points that define the CMPD and that we stick to those exclusively when discussing the issue. This was seconded and agreed upon. Ann graciously consented to look at drafting something for the group.

It was noted that Campfire Girls recently sold mature forested land in Seattle for development. Samish Island residents will be made aware of this as they may be concerned about the future of the Campfire Girls’ Camp Kirby there.

Question: Who is the CR Developer? Bob explained that it is Greenbrier, a partnership formed by Horizon Bank and David Edelstein.

Question: It seems like so many property owners are being taxed to stop development in a few places? Ann explained the mission of the CMPD to provide a service to the community, a special service district to create an infrastructure for protecting open space, and to support environmentally friendly recreational activities in appropriate areas while protecting private property. In addition, the CMPD would seek to bring all relevant parties together to organize rapid-fire response plans and other emergency services. She reiterated that the rapid growth of tourism in our region dictates a need for management and the CMPD could help with this. And, finally the commissioners will be representatives of all the constituents within the district and be guided by their concerns.

Question: Eminent Domain: All special service districts are granted this in the State of Washington. It is rarely used as it is considered public and political suicide. In the rare event it is invoked, there is an extensive, several tiered public and judicial process. It is a very complicated and difficult procedure, rarely undertaken. The CMPD would seek to acquire property by acquisition of land or development rights from willing sellers.

SEPA Status: state and local agencies are somewhat confounded by the SEPA process for a multi-jurisdictional, petition created, municipal park district. Bob reported on all the steps we have taken so far and to whom we have submitted our SEPA check list. Ann moved and it was approved by the group that Bob Gibb is the CMPD Advisory Committee’s SEPA Agent.

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Rudy Schaad, Frank Eventoff, Hue Beattie, Ken Wilcox and Kris Berger

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking. (Statements attached in permanent record.) A $25 donation toward printing costs has been received and will be deposited.

CMPD’s SEPA Check list: There is still confusion about establishing the lead agency for the CMPD SEPA due, in part, to the fact that this is the first time a MPD is being created by petition, and that it is multi-jurisdictional. As a result, there is no apparent “lead agency”. We continue to work with the Whatcom County Planning Department and the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s office along with the EPA to resolve this.

Blanchard DNR SEPA: It was reported that a group in Skagit County (not in any way related to the CMPD Advisory Group) has financed a SEPA challenge and there is a request now for an EIS. There was an article in the Skagit Valley Herald by Ralph Schwartz about the park district proposal and some of the issues that have been raised. A copy has been kept for our records and should also be uploaded to our website.

Chuckanut Ridge EIS: The consultant company to perform the EIS has been selected by the City of Bellingham and the contract has been negotiated. This contract has been provided to the developer for approval and their decision is pending.

A Scoping Committee is being formed by Responsible Development in order to address the EIS process where public input is invited. School impacts fees are being researched as are traffic/transportation and emergency services, wetlands, buffers and other related items.

Skagit County: Members present expressed a desire to respond to the Blanchard Forest Citizen Group’s concerns and misunderstandings. We began by addressing each of the 14 issues raised in their handout entitled “Comments on Proposed Chuckanut Metropolitan Park District”. Work will continue in order to create an informative, fact based correspondence to residents.

Boundary Review Board Hearing: We will welcome a hearing, should Skagit County’s BRB have one, because it will provide us the opportunity to dispel some of the misinformation and confusion as well as the unwarranted fears and concerns. If the hearing should delay our filing for the November election, the Whatcom County Auditor states that we will be eligible to file for the Presidential Primary in February ’08. This may in fact be better in Bellingham/Whatcom County where there will be much focus on highly contested races for mayor and for city and county council seats in November.

Once on the ballot, an election campaign will be instigated which will require fundraising and related resources.

Commissioners: We continue to identify individuals who have the interest and qualifications to serve as park district commissioners.

R.O.M.E.O.s: CMPD Advisory Board members will provide a presentation to this group on July 3, 2007.

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Pam Went, Rudy Schaad, Joanne Peterson, Ann Eissinger, Frank Eventoff, Gerry Wilbour. Also, Hue Beattie, Dennis Jones, Janet McKinney and Jen Brechan

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in savings and checking, noting no outstanding checks. (Statements attached in permanent record.)

Blanchard: Frank reported that the SEPA process is underway and the comment period was extended. It appears to be a proposal for a management strategy and thus is somewhat difficult to respond to. Both CMPD and Bob were officially invited to comment and Bob has responded personally. CMPD Advisory Committee will have no comment.

Chuckanut Ridge: The EIS is underway. Bob reported on the current status and associated difficulties.

Boundary Review: The applications were submitted on both counties on May 10^th and 11^th. If we hear nothing by June 25^th, we may proceed to the election campaign.

Skagit Commission: The CMPD will present to the commissioners on Tuesday, May 29^th. Detailed materials are being submitted in advance. Discussion about which of the many advantages a park district will offer to emphasize to the commissioners.

CMPD’s SEPA Checklist: Because we are creating by petition there is no apparent “lead” for our SEPA. However, Bob has spoken with the SEPA officer for Whatcom County Planning regarding being a co-lead if necessary.

CMPD Commissioners: Hue Beattie has indicated an interest in running for commissioner and Jean Brechan and Hue have recommended another possible candidate with whom Bob will follow up. Additional knowledgeable, qualified candidates are being actively sought.

Additional discussion responding to questions about the regulatory powers, or lack thereof, of a Washington State Metropolitan Park District.

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Ann Eissinger, Frank Eventoff, Rudy Schaad, Gerry Wilbour, Kathy Mohebbi, Warren Sheay and, briefly, Jean Brechan.

Minutes: The minutes from the April 10, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

Financial: Pam reported on the balance in savings and checking and outstanding checks were noted. (Statements attached in permanent record)

Ann, Frank, Pam and Bob met with Skagit County Commissioner Sharon Dillon, Skagit County Planning Director Gary Christiensen, and BRB Executive Clerk Carole Korelin, on May 2, 2007. It was a successful informative exchange.

SEPA: The State Environmental Policy Act, checklist or SEPA, is a state mandated environmental document to be completed and circulated to governmental agencies likely to be impacted by environmental consequences of a proposal or development. Bob completed and distributed SEPA checklist documents to Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive. This was acknowledged by his office and by Hal Hart, the Whatcom County Planning Director to whom it had been forwarded. Skagit County BRB Executive Clerk has now indicated they she does not require a SEPA. However, SEPA checklists have been sent to her, to the Skagit County Commissioners and acknowledged, to Scott Chalfant, Larrabee State Park Area Manager and acknowledged, to the DNR Region Manager, Bill Wallace, to the Mayor of the City of Bellingham, Tim Douglas, and to the State and local offices of the Department of Ecology.

Boundary Review: It has been confirmed by both Skagit and Whatcom County Auditors that the final filling date for the November election for the CMPD is September 7, 2007. If the General Election deadline is missed for some reason, a special election can be held 60 or more days after the general election. Discussion.

A Notice of Intent (NOI) was submitted May 2, 2007 to the Whatcom County Boundary Review Board. Bob outlined in detail what was included in the packet and noted that parts of the submission were to be accepted electronically. The maps were separated into 6 attachments. The parcel file was too large for the BRB computers and was still in process. Skagit County’s NOI will follow shortly and formal acceptance should take place in the next few days in both counties.

Blanchard/DNR: It was reported that a SEPA process is underway for the Blanchard Study Group agreement. CMPD will not respond.

Meeting with Skagit County Commissioners: We are scheduled to meet with the Skagit County Commissioners on May 29, 2007, at 9 AM. There may be meetings with individual commissioners beforehand at their discretion. Ann agreed to write a cover letter for the documents to be provided in advance.

Chuckanut Ridge: Joe reported that the developers advised the City that they would pay for an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) on proposed development of the property. The bids for this function have been received and City Planning Director Tim Stewart will make the final decision on who will perform the EIS.

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Trustees Present: Bob Gibb, Ruth Gibb, Pam Went, Joe Yaver, Frank Eventoff, Cathy McKenzie

Missed: Gerry Wilbour, Ann Eissinger, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Rudy Schaad and Joanne Peterson

Members & Guests: Kathy Mohebbi, Warren Sheay, Charles Herrick, Gary & Kari Everett, Deidre Penner, Bernie Waltz, Jody Chapman, Hue Beattie and others who did not sign in

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in checking & savings and noted outstanding checks. She also indicated the CMPD Advisory Committee had just received a substantial donation through Responsible Development.

Petition Campaign: At the outset of the meeting there were 2752 signatures with confirmed addresses within the district on hand, and dozens more were submitted during the meeting and additional were anticipated the next morning. This indicated that the suggested goal of 3000 signatures would be reached. Copies will be made of every petition before they are turned in. Pam moved to accept the signatures we have and turn them in to the auditors on April 11^th. The motion was seconded. Extensive discussion included questions from visitors. Members present passed the motion unanimously.

Boundary Review: Bob explained that after signatures are verified the petition will be subject to the Boundary Review (BR) process. Cathy Mohebbi, who is retired from working with BR, has graciously offered to advise us during the process. We will begin the BR application in anticipation of an adequate number of petition signatures.

Presentation to Whatcom County Council: This is scheduled for April 14^th. Bob & Joanne are assembling documents to be provided in advance. The resulting packet will be useful, as well, for subsequent presentations.

Commissioners: Those interested in becoming CMPD Commissioners are encouraged to apply to be on the ballot.

Meetings to be scheduled: We will arrange to meet with the Whatcom County Planning Department, and the Skagit County Planning Department.

Website: Frank will speak with Ken about bringing the website up to date as it is such a vital public relations and communication tool. It was noted that the media section is very incomplete.

Additional questions from guests and discussion followed by adjournment at 8:30 PM.

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Note: April 24th will be the presentation at Whatcom County Council – no meeting

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

March 27, 2007

Trustees Present: Bob Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Rudy Schaad, Frank Eventoff, Cathy McKenzie, Ruth Gibb, Joe Yaver, Kris Berger,

Members & Guests: Larry Williams, Hue Beattie, Christopher Grannis, and Warren Sheay from Bellingham, Jim and Barb Kline, from Sammish Island, Gary Kratzman from Oyster Creek, Carl Hendricks and Brandon Black and Cindy Wahlgren from Bow and Pat Soll from Chuckanut Crest.

Called to Order at 7:05 PM by Bob Gibb

Minutes: The minutes from March 13, 2007 were approved as distributed.

Financial: Unchanged from the March 13 report.

Correspondence: Two articles from the Mt. Vernon Herald were discussed. One dealing with the constitutionality of the commissioner designations and communication from the Whatcom County Prosecutor, Dave Mc Each ran and Deputy Prosecutor Randy Watts comparing a Parks District to the Irrigation District cited in the article were detailed.

Meetings: The presentation to the Bellingham City Council on March 26 was discussed and in general considered successful. It was suggested that similar meetings with the Whatcom County Council and with the Skagit County Commissioners be scheduled. Bob Gibb will schedule Whatcom and Frank Eventoff will contact Skagit. The meeting with the Chuckanut Crest Associations was discussed. This was an annual meeting and we were allotted 10 minutes. Approximately 50 people were in attendance. Discussion was limited. In general, it was felt this was not a good setting for the presentation. Other business was more compelling to the group and the allotted time was inadequate. Presentations to other groups are needed.

The new attendees were queried concerning their interest in attending the meeting. The Klines, who had been out of the area, were interested in knowing the status of Samish Island in the district. The reason to not include that precinct was explained. Gary Kratzman was concerned about the impact of the district on his property in Oyster Creek. Carl Hendricks and Brandon Black, a senior land Use Planner in the Skagit County Planning Department and Cindy Wahlgren claimed to have just learned about the proposed Park District from an article published that day in the weekly Burlington Argus newspaper, a copy of which Mr. Hendricks left with us. They were concerned about how the boundaries had been determined. Frank and Kris responded about signs and about meetings in Edison and Samish Island. Concern about the fiscal impact was expressed. Mr. Soll, who had attended the Chuckanut Crest presentation, was also interested in the fiscal impact and what the Park District could accomplish.

Petition Campaign: Joanne reported on the progress of the campaign. Larry, Hue, Chris and Warren each brought in several completed petitions. With the 879 Bob & Ruth had on hand, it was estimated that over 1200 signatures had been obtained. Joanne outlined where the door to door campaigning had been done and where it was still needed. She noted that we had made an executive decision to hire the college students, approved at the last meeting, at a rate of $1.00 per verified signature and that Jon Shaughnessy was helping to manage this effort. Rudy moved and it was seconded that we approve this contact. Passed unanimously.

Boundary Review: Because the Skagit Boundary Review Secretary indicated to Frank that a SEPA form completion would be required, Bob had two discussions with EPA officials. They had trouble coming to grips with the fact that we have no sponsoring governmental agency. It was decided to review the SEPA form, even though until created, there will be now environmental impact involved in creating the Park District and there is no sponsoring governmental agency until created. Kathy Mohebbi, who was unable to attend this meeting, will obtain a form and revue the completion of it.

Assessed Value: A preliminary review of the property included in the boundaries as described in the petition is $2.476 billion, including both Whatcom and Skagit Counties... At $0.25 per $1,000 of assed value, the projected annual revenue would be $619,088. We have acquired the database electronically and on a CD. The official in the auditor’s office expressed surprise that we did not include tideland properties in the boundary.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM/

Bob Gibb

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Next regularly scheduled meetings are April 10^th and April 24^th (Whatcom County Council meeting).

==END==

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAINS PARK DISTRICT

Conservancy…where the Cascades meet the Sea

Advisory Committee Meeting

686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

March 13, 2007

Trustees Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Joanne Peterson, Gerry Wilbour, Rudy Schaad, Frank Eventoff

Missed: Ruth Gibb, Ann Eissinger, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Jim & Ann Caldwell and Sara Bishop

Members & Guests: A Ted Sealey stopped by and hopes to attend the next meeting

Called to order at 7:05 PM by Bob Gibb

Minutes: the minutes from February 27 were approved as written

Financial: Pam reported on the balances in the savings and checking and noted the most recent donation.

Petitions: Hundreds of signatures have been collected and hundreds more are needed. Many dedicated volunteers are continuing to collect signatures on petitions.

Lake Samish Neighbors: Gerry reported on the meeting the previous evening. He outlined some of the considerations and reservations that residents and landowners raised. The nature and quality of fire response was addressed as well as how a CMPD could improve the situation. Questions about the disproportionate population numbers in South Bellingham that could potentially dominate the decision making in the district.

Chuckanut Crest: Bob has been invited to attend their annual meeting to discuss the proposed park district. Bob will attend and would like someone from the committee to accompany him.

Jane Goodall: Bob reported on his and Ruth’s meeting with Jane Goodall at a recent WSU event sponsored by the publisher of Sunset Magazine. Jane and her staff expressed support for the creation of the CMPD.

Petitions II: Joanne reported on areas that need coverage still and ways to access these areas were discussed. The idea of hiring WWU students during their upcoming break was examined and will be investigated. Should it prove feasible it was moved, seconded and passed to allocate the funds to do so.

PR: Frank suggested obtaining a Goodall or Suzuki quote to prompt another round of positive press coverage. This will be explored.

Bob contacted the Assessor’s Office to ascertain the total assessed value of property in Whatcom County and Frank will do the same in Skagit.

Bellingham City Council: Bellingham Mayor Tim Douglas requested that we meet with City Council and has arranged for that to take place March 26^th. Bob will be in touch with more details.

Meetings to schedule: Whatcom Council of Governments; Whatcom Land Trust Board; Skagit Land Trust Board; Whatcom County Council; WWU student body—in the fall; Ski to Sea

Brochure: discussion on ways to enhance and strengthen the message in the brochure based on feedback. Gerry will follow up with Joanne.

Adjourned by consensus at 8:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting

Next regularly scheduled meetings are March 27^th and April 10th.

==END==

Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Conservancy... where the Cascades meet the sea
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

February 13, 2007

Trustees Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Frank Eventoff, Cathy McKenzie, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Kris Berger

Missed: Ruth Gibb, Gerry Wilbour, Ann & Jim Caldwell, Sara Bishop, Ann Eissinger, Ken Wilcox

Members & Guests: none

Called to order at 7:12 PM by Bob

Minutes: Kris (M/S/P) that the minutes from January 23, 2207 be accepted as written.

Financial: Pam reported that there was no change from the last meting (see statements).

Our scheduled guest, Kathy Mohebbi, was unable to attend due to illness. She is planning to attend our next meeting, February 20^th.

Petition: Bob presented the most current draft of the petition. 14,063 registered voters reside within the district boundary in Whatcom County, therefore 15% or 2109 is the minimum number of signatures required. As there may well be some signers who do not qualify we will be seeking at least 3,000 signatures.

Bob, Pam and Joanne will meet with Bellingham Mayor Tim Douglass on Wednesday, February 14^th at 10 AM to explain the CMPD and answer any questions he may have as we commence our petition drive.

Joanne (M/S/P) that the petition draft presented be accepted as final, pending final acceptance by the auditor. Unanimously passed by Trustees present.

Joanne explained where we are with petitions & petitioners. Two meetings are scheduled February 15^th & 22^nd at 7 PM at Bob’s home for those petitioners who were unable to attend the first training meeting February 2^nd. Joanne explained the contents of the packet that each petitioner will receive.

Boundary Review: Bob has obtained all relevant documents for application for the process of Boundary Review. Bob outlined the documents and the associated timeline. Our guest Kathy Mohebbi, who will join s next time, is retired from Boundary Review and will elaborate and answer questions about what we may expect.

Bob reported that February 26^th he and Gerry and possibly Ann will meet with the Rotary Club of Bellingham to explain the CMPD.

Discussion about additional important contacts as well as returning to the neighborhoods for petition support.

Blanchard Mountain: Frank reported that he, Ann, Ken, Kris and others are involved with a new group that has just formed calling itself “Chuckanut Conservancy”. It is designed to function as an advocacy group on behalf of Blanchard Mountain. Discussion about the fact that the Herald has had two articles recently about Blanchard presenting only one point of view and the need for a response to these articles.

Return to discussion of additional groups to meet with; Bob has a preliminary list and will follow up.

Adjourned at 8:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting Next regularly scheduled meetings are February 20^th and March 13^th.

==END==

Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Conservancy... where the Cascades meet the sea
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

January 23, 2007

Trustees Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Frank Eventoff, Ann Eissinger, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger

Missed: Ruth Gibb, Gerry Wilbour, Ann & Jim Caldwell, Sara Bishop, Rudy Schaad

Members & Guests: Ruth & Peter Mayer, Peter Berken, Bob Dickinson, Dennis Jones

Bob called the meeting to order at 7 PM with introductions of members and guests.

Minutes: The minutes of the January 9, 2007 meeting were approved as corrected. The opening paragraph for the petition shall read “…recreational, ecological, and open space values…”.

Financial: Pam reported on new donations and the balances for both the savings and checking account.

Old Business: Before the meeting, Gerry moved, and Joanne had seconded by email, that the most recent draft of the petition be approved as circulated. This motion initiated the discussion of boundaries as follows:

Skagit: Bob Dickenson described significant feedback from Samish Island that may influence the decision about including the Island.

Ann & Ken brought their final description of the Skagit County boundary to the south for the district. Much discussion regarding language for description on the petition and etc. Skagit County, north of township 35 as described in the document presented by Ken (to be included with the minutes) was moved/seconded and approved by members present without dissent.

Whatcom: Discussion of the boundary draft circulated by Bob Gibb in advance. Members new to the group asked questions that necessitated review of much previous work, discussion and debate. It was moved/seconded/passed to remove precinct 232. Moved/seconded/passed to include 234 and 231. Moved/seconded passed to include precinct 239. Moved/seconded to add 229 in the city and 147 in the county. This motion was not passed. Unanimous that all the Chuckanut area districts are to be included.

For final clarification, Ken moved/seconded that we accept the boundary on Bob’s draft of the petition and include precincts 231, 234, 239 excluding 232, and add the language for Skagit as approved above. This motion was seconded and passed.

We have a petition!

Bob will complete legal review, and training sessions for volunteers will be scheduled shortly.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting Next regularly scheduled meetings are February 13^th and February 27^th, 2007.

==END==

Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Conservancy... where the Cascades meet the sea
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington

January 9, 2007

Trustees Present: Pam Went, Bob Gibb, Frank Eventoff, Joe Yaver, Cathy McKenzie, Joanne Peterson, Ken Wilcox and Kris Berger

Missed: Ruth Gibb, Gerry Wilbour, Ann & Jim Caldwell, Sara Bishop, Rudy Schaad

Members & Guests: none

Minutes: the minutes from the December 19^th, 2006 meeting were approved.

Financial: Pam reported on donations received since the last meeting and the balances for both the savings and checking accounts. Pam agreed to look into what is required to complete the Annual Report for the State of Washington

Correspondence: Bob reported on several notes and calls received regarding CMPD including new contacts and support.

Petition: Discussion about the opening line of the text and language of boundaries. Bob reported that we have been advised that for the petition we describe the proposed district using precincts and etc. Once the district is established the commissioners will create the formal legal description that will remain the same regardless of future changes in precinct boundaries. In the future, areas can petition to be added to the district.

Ann drafted a new opening sentence for the petition and finally, after considerable discussion, we arrived at text as follows: “Whereas the Chuckanut Mountains and surrounding areas support a diversity of recreational and ecological open space with unique geological and shoreline features linking the Cascade Mountains to the sea which require stewardship and protection to benefit current and future generations . . . .” This wording was accepted by consensus of trustees present. Any feedback is solicited from other members upon receipt of these minutes.

Boundaries: Consideration was given to Bob’s draft that has already been given preliminary legal review. All were reminded that time is of the essence in order to meet our stated goal to qualify for the November ’07 ballot. Considerable discussion about including or excluding particular areas. Ken advocated strongly for a PR blitz to be followed by polling to answer questions. Trustees present were assured this process could be accomplished before our last meeting of the month so that a final judgment can be made at that time. Ken, Kris and Frank have agreed to accomplish this task on behalf of the group.

The meeting was adjourned at 9 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Went

These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting.

Next regularly scheduled meetings are January 23^rd and February 13^th.

==END==