Whatcom County Boards & Commissions Vacancies

October 30, 2009
This list represents all scheduled vacancies through February 2010 The County Council makes appointments. All members must be registered voters, residents of Whatcom County and, if applicable, reside in the area they represent. Members serve without compensation unless otherwise noted. Applications are available in the Council Office, Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Bellingham. More information is available on the web at: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/boards/boardsapplication.pdf or phone at 360-676-6690. Applications for vacancies are due in the Council Office by 4 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2009 unless otherwise noted. The County Council will make appointments at the regular County Council meeting on December 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the County Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, unless otherwise noted. Some appointments may be held until after January 1, 2010.

ADDRESS AND ROAD NAME CITIZEN APPEALS COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies – The committee considers and decides appeals of address numbering, road name assignments and corrections, by reviewing appeals. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month. Three-year term.

BIRCH BAY SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy - Members must have a direct interest in the Shellfish Protection District. Duties are to advise the County Council on the proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in the Birch Bay Shellfish Protection District. Meetings third Wednesday every two or three months.

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
3 Vacancies
1 Vacancy District 3 – Applicants must reside in County Council District 3
2 Vacancies – Alternate - At Large positions – Applicants must reside in Whatcom County - Current alternates members eligible to reapply. The Board ensures that all properties are valued at 100% of market value. The Board may equalize property values, by either lowering or raising land/building assessments. The Board generally meets most Tuesdays through Thursdays, July through April, or as needed. Members receive $75 per Diem for attending hearings. Three-year term.

DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies - Members must have a direct interest in the Shellfish Protection District. Duties are to advise the County Council on the proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in the Drayton Harbor watershed. Meetings third Wednesday every two months.

WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
7 vacancies – 3 representing Geographic areas – 1 member eligible to reapply. 2 representing Special District - current members eligible to reapply, 2 representing impacted cities – current members eligible to reapply. Please indicate on the application which position you wish to represent. Any person interested in serving on the advisory committee may be appointed by the board of supervisors to a list of alternate members for a period of six years. Alternate members shall be notified of each meeting of the advisory committee and encouraged to attend when possible. Committee assists and makes recommendations to the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors in performing flood damage repairs, maintenance and improvements, and minimizing future flood damage through prevention and management on the Nooksack River, its watershed and the other watersheds within Whatcom County. Meets monthly or as needed.

ACME/VANZANDT FLOOD CONTROL SUB-ZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies - 2 members eligible to re-apply. Members must reside in the area they represent. Committee is an integral part of the program reviewing the comprehensive plan for flood control. Four year term.

LYNDEN/EVERSON FLOOD CONTROL SUB-ZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies - 2 members eligible to re-apply. Members must reside in the area they represent. Committee is an integral part of the program reviewing the comprehensive plan for flood control. Four year term.

SUMAS/EVERSON/NOOKSACK FLOOD CONTROL SUB-ZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies – 2 members eligible to re-apply – Members must reside in the area they represent. Committee is an integral part of the program reviewing the comprehensive plan for flood control. Four year term.

HORTICULTURE PEST AND DISEASE BOARD
4 Vacancies – The Board assists Whatcom County to effectively control and prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases. One member shall have at least a practical knowledge of horticultural pests and diseases and the other members shall be residents of the county, shall own land within the county and shall be engaged in the primary and commercial production of a horticultural product or products, one of whom shall be engaged in the production of certified organic produce, if available. Two-year term.

LAW AND JUSTICE COUNCIL
1 Vacancy – Applicants must be residents of Whatcom County. The Council coordinates and enhances justice agencies, programs and services in the county. The Council is active in guiding improved coordination and delivery of law and justice services. Applicants must be residents of Whatcom County.
NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD

1 Vacancy – in District 2.
The Board promotes education of the public concerning management of listed noxious weeds such as tansy ragwort, knapweed, purple loosestrife, knotweed and their impacts on natural resources. Four of the five members must be engaged in agricultural production. Must reside in the represented district and have ten signatures from registered voters in that district. Members receive mileage reimbursement for meetings. Four-year terms. Please call the Weed Board Coordinator at 715-7470 for more information. Applications should be sent to the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board, 901 W. Smith Road, Bellingham WA 98226.

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies - Committee represents the active farming community within the county to serve in an advisory capacity to the county assessor; in implementing assessment guidelines as established by the department of revenue for the assessment of open space, farms and agricultural lands, and timber lands. Four-year term.

WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
3 Vacancies – 2 in District 3 – 1 in District 1 – Applicants must reside in Council District they represent. Assists the Planning & Development Services Department in carrying out its duties, including assisting in the updating and execution of the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission makes findings and conclusions to the Planning and Development Department and the County Council. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Four-year terms.

PORTAGE BAY SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies - Committee monitors and advises the overall operations of the Shellfish Protection District which was formed in response to the closure of portions of Portage Bay to shellfish harvesting due to contamination of the water. Meet as needed.

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies - 1 – representing Citizen group – current member eligible to reapply,1 representing Business/Industry group – current member eligible to reapply,
1 representing Solid Waste Disposal Facility, 1 representing Public Interest Group.No two representatives can be from the same company or public interest group.
This committee provides ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. Three year term. This Committee generally meets
the last Thursday of the month.

SURFACE MINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
10 Vacancies - 1 Position – Civil or Geo-technical engineer with no direct or indirect financial business ties to the industry, 2 Positions – Members of the surface mining industry, 1 Position - Representative of Forestry, 1 Position – Ecologist, 1 Position -Environmental consultant, 1 Position - Surface mining material user, 1 Position - Geologist, 1 – Position – citizen who lives in close proximity to active mining or mineral overlay areas, 1 Position - Representative of potable domestic groundwater supply. Committee advises the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department and the Whatcom County Council on implementing a surface mining regulatory program consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Two-year term.

WHATCOM COUNTY UTILITIES PLANNING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies – 1 representing District 1, 2 representing District 2 – current members eligible to reapply, 1 representing District 3 – current member eligible to reapply
Applicants must reside in the District they wish to represent. Applicants shall not be employees of Cascade Natural Gas, Puget Sound Energy, Public Utilities District #1, Bonneville Power, or City of Bellingham. Committee ensures the protection of public health and safety and the environment, and also preserves customs, cultures, and economic stability, when new electric, natural gas, and petroleum transmission facilities are proposed. Committee meets as needed. Two-year terms.

Whatcom County Executive
Boards and Commissions Vacancies
This list represents all scheduled vacancies through January 2010. The following vacancies on boards and commissions are filled with appointments by the Executive and confirmed by the County Council, and are without compensation unless otherwise noted. Applications are available in the Executive's office; Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 108, Bellingham and you may call (360) 676-6717 for information. More information is available on the web at:
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/boards/boardsapplication.pdf Vacancies are often filled by reappointment of current members to a second term. All members must be registered voters and residents of Whatcom County. All applications should be in the Executive's office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2009.

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies. Board assists in the implementation of numerous policies and tasks relating to protecting and enhancing the long-term viability of agriculture. The thirteen members of the AAC meet on an as needed basis, usually from October through May, and serve a four-year term.

AMERICAN’S WITH DIABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies – 2 current members eligible to reapply. Committee provides guidance to the County regarding making its facilities and programs accessible to those with disabilities. The committee also reviews the ADA coordinator’s complaint resolution decisions and makes necessary recommendations for improvements to accessibility. Committee meets quarterly and serves a three year term.

BELLINGHAM-WHATCOM COUNTY COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
2 Vacancies – positions are Community-At-Large and Human Services provider. The Commission develops and implements a coordinated comprehensive domestic violence plan that is monitored, evaluated and updated on a regular basis. Promotes coordinated and increased collaboration of institutions, systems and services as they respond to offenders, victims, children and others who have been impacted by domestic violence. Increases community awareness and understanding about domestic violence. Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month and serves a four year term.

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
1 Vacancy – current member eligible to reapply. Applicant must have been a resident of Whatcom County for the past two years and cannot hold a salaried public office. The Commission creates and administers the rules and regulations for personnel administration in the County Sheriff’s office. The Commission shall do practical testing for persons to determine the capacity to perform duties that a person may be appointed to perform. The Commission shall investigate, report on, and hold hearings on all matters regarding the administration of personnel. The Commission shall determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of personnel positions. Six year term. Meetings held monthly on second Thursdays.

COUNTY APPEALS BOARD
6 Vacancies – 3 current members eligible to reapply. Applicant positions include one lay member, a member of the construction trades, as well as a registered design professional with engineering, mechanical and/or plumbing experience. This Board receives and rules on appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official and/or fire marshal relative to the application and interpretation of the building construction and maintenance codes as adopted by the county, with responsibility to publish all findings. Three year term. Meet on an as-needed basis.

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
2 Vacancies. Applicants must be a licensed practicing civil engineer or land surveyor. The Committee reviews all proposed standards and modifications that propose project designs deemed by the technical administrator not to be in strict compliance with development standards. Committee operates to ensure compliance with land use regulations and comprehensive plans, consistency with objectives through evaluation of technical and dimensional requirements. Seven members serve two-year terms. Meet on an as-needed basis.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD
4 Vacancies – all current members eligible to reapply. Members shall include representatives of public, private, or voluntary agencies, representatives of local
governmental units and citizens knowledgeable about developmental disabilities. Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the department of Developmental Disabilities Services. Board plans services for developmentally disabled people and coordinates those services. Meets 4th Monday of each month. Three-year term.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WHATCOM COUNTY
1 Vacancy. The Board serves to provide quality, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, elderly households, and persons with disabilities through innovative resource development and responsible stewardship of our housing and fiscal resources. The five members meet monthly and serve five year terms.

LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT #1
2 Vacancies. Applicant must own land within the district. This advisory committee is integral to the operations and management of the district, reviews county plan for the retention dam facility and Friday Creek stream enhancement, and makes recommendations in coordination with the county engineering division to the district board. Meets quarterly and members serve a five-year term.

MARINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies – 2 current members eligible to reapply. Applicant positions include conservation/environmental interest, recreational interest (a sport fisher) and a representative of the commercial fishing industry. The Board, guided by sound science and the needs of the Northwest Strait marine ecosystem, and consideration for the citizens of Whatcom County, will address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. The committee will build awareness of issues, and gather support for remedies. Meets monthly on the first Thursday and terms and terms are four years.

MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
4 Vacancies – 3 current members are eligible to reapply. The Board shall be broadly representative of the demographic character of the county and the mentally ill persons served therein. The Board plans services for treatment of the mentally ill. Members include community representatives (government, business, education, families of mentally ill persons, and mental health professionals). Meets quarterly. Three year term.

NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES BOARD
1 Vacancy. The Board advises Northwest Regional Council (a group of elected officials) on issues related to development and enhancement of a comprehensive service delivery system which meets the physical, social, and psychological needs of older people. The majority of the Board are senior citizens, representative of community and professional organizations and minority groups. Meets on the third Thursday of most months. Three year term.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1 Vacancy – District 1 position. This Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the County Executive and the Parks & Recreation Department on issues related to parks and recreation. Meets third Thursday of each month. Four-year term.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
4 Vacancies – 1 member eligible to reapply. Applicant positions include one physician, one tribal member and two from natural sciences (one from higher education). The Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Health Department on all issues related to the County Health Department and its programs. Four year term. Meets monthly on second Wednesday.

PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies – 1 current member is eligible to reapply. Applicants must be a farmer or farm-supporting business. This committee provides oversight and evaluation of the Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights program for Whatcom County. This program enhances the protection of the County's farmland, enhances the long-term viability of agricultural enterprises within the County and provides public benefit by retaining properties in permanent resource use. Meets on a quarterly basis, as needed. Four-year term.

RURAL LIBRARY BOARD
1 Vacancy. The Board shall adopt rules and regulations for the government of the rural library district, supervise the property of the district, employ a librarian, budget for the district, and do other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient management of the library as outlined in RCW 27.12.210. Meets monthly on the third Tuesday. Five-year term.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE (ADVISORY) BOARD
4 Vacancies - 4 current members are eligible to reapply. The Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Human Services Division of the Whatcom County Health Department on all issues related to substance abuse. Meets quarterly. Three-year term.

Joe Bates
Whatcom County
voice: (360) 676-6707 x52510
voice: (360) 220-6654
311 Grand Ave
Bellingahm, Wa 98225
jbates@co.whatcom.wa.us

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