Bainbridge to make environmental committee permanent.

Testimony by Ken Sethney on behalf of Bainbridge Shoreline Homeowners
at the COBI City Council Land Use Committee 10/20/09
re: Resolution 2009-27 making ETAC a permanent volunteer committee

Bainbridge Shoreline Homeowners is happy that the Council is working to make the Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) permanent. We support the notion that there will be a core committee and a pool of experts available for consultation. That said, we have some suggestions after reading proposed resolution #2009-27 (full text below).

Section 1 seems very comprehensive in its scope. However, while item E references the Growth Management Act, there is no reference to the Shoreline Management Act. Since the legislature, the governor and the courts have made it clear that local Shoreline Master Plans are be governed by the SMA and not the GMA, it may be prudent to reference the appropriate language here to avoid future complications.

Section 2 lays out the qualifications and terms of those who will serve on the committee and in the consulting pool. WAC 365-195-905(4) sets forth the appropriate scientific expertise. However, we are concerned about balance on the committee and in the pool of experts.