Whatcom Watch May 2016
Compiled by Andrew S. McBride Action Taken at March 1, 2016 Meeting Shall the commission: 48. Authorize the executive director to sign a cost-sharing partnership with Whatcom County for licensed Pictometry Imagery and software? At the 9/3/2013 meeting, vote #133, the port entered into an agreement with Whatcom County to [Read More...]
Compiled by Boris Schleinkofer Action Taken at March 7, 2016 Meeting Shall the council: 38. Authorize the mayor to sign a financing agreement with the Bellingham-Whatcom Public Facilities District? The city will issue limited tax general obligation bonds and then loan the money to the Bellingham-Whatcom Public Facilities District to [Read More...]
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at March 8, 2016 Meeting Shall the council: 42. Authorize the executive to sign a $65,090 contract with Transportation Engineers Northwest of Bellevue for a Lakeway Drive crosswalk? At the 10/28/2014 meeting, vote #196, the council voted to amend the 2015 annual road construction [Read More...]
Editor’s Note: This is an abridged version of an article that appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of Klipsun magazine. For the full story go to: www.klipsunmagazine.com by Maria Matson The boat speeds north, away from the reservation and cutting through waters where the early sun reflects as a million [Read More...]
by Richard Navas For centuries, Americans held an unquestioned belief that growth is good. From the founding of Jamestown, VA, in 1607 to the sudden fortunes of Silicon Valley in California, this nation was raised on the legend of El Dorado and the lure of boom towns. Tens of thousands [Read More...]
Editor’s Note: In October 1994, the Bellingham City Council created the 17 member Convention Center Task Force. In December 1995, the task force recommended a 22-story complex be built in downtown Bellingham. The plan called for a 13,485 square foot conference/convention center, 160 room hotel with the top floor containing [Read More...]
Boris Schleinkofer, poetrywatch editor “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — John F. Kennedy Poetry has a voice in our community, [Read More...]
by Joe Meche Throughout the year and for any number of reasons, I often find myself drawn to visiting one place in particular. I’ve probably voiced this opinion before but just for the record, whenever I’m asked about my favorite place to spend a day watching birds in Whatcom County, [Read More...]
Juanita Jefferson photo: James K. [Read More...]
Eric Hirst has written extensively about water in Whatcom County. Photo: Susan Hirst by Eric Hirst The Washington State Department of Ecology, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is subject to strong — and opposing — political forces. Pro-market conservatives argue that Ecology’s regulations are too strict, raise [Read More...]