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VideO

This webpage is to inform readers of video available of consequential Skagit County meetings discussing flood control.

Skagit County Government (Skagit 21) Meetings ( as of November 12, 2013)

Other Videos ( as of May 24, 2016)

 

Date

Title

Summary

Skagit County Government (Skagit 21) Meetings
November 2013
11/12/2013 Skagit Cty Public Works GI Study Status Update Video Video of Skagit County Public Works & Corps of Engineers Seattle District update on the Skagit River General Investigation Study (GI Study).
See also: 11/12/2013 Skagit River General Investigation Status Update Presentation to Skagit County Commissioners
September 2013
9/10/2013 Closed Record Appeal of Submitted by the City of Sedro-Woolley Appeal PL#13-0265 of the Hearing Examiner’s Decision, Dated June 28, 2013, Regarding Skagit County Dike, Drainage and Irrigation District No. 12 Request for Shoreline Substantial Development Permit No. PL12-019 Video of the Skagit County Commissioners' hearing of the closed record appeal.  Please visit the appropriate Issues Page for more information.
9/24/2013 Decision Regarding Closed Record Appeal Submitted by the City of Sedro-Woolley Appeal PL#13-0265 of the Hearing Examiner’s Decision, Dated June 28, 2013, Regarding Skagit County Dike, Drainage and Irrigation District No. 12 Request for Shoreline Substantial Development Permit No. PL12-019 Video of the decision of the Skagit County Commissioners on the Closed Record Appeal of Sedro-Woolley against Burlington's permit request to expand its levee.  Please visit the appropriate Issues Page for more information.
May 2012
5/9/2012 Corps of Engineers GI Study Presentation

Corps of Engineers Presentation on the Skagit GI/General Investigation Study to Skagit County at the May 7, 2012 Open House.

Comments may be submitted by May 24th, 2012 to the Corps.

September 2011
9/12/2011 Update:  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Relicensing Regarding License Article 107 (c) Imminent Drawdown of Baker River During Flood Events “Mr. Berentson stated that he wanted to update the Commissioners on the conversations that Public Works has had with Puget Sound Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).   Mr. Berentson read Article 107(c) to the Commissioners and stated that one of the main concerns that Public Works staff had regarding this article was whether Puget Sound Energy (PSE) was adequately consulting with Skagit County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding their plan for drawing down the Baker River during a flood event.
...
“Project Coordinator Lorna Ellestad added that Skagit County better understands that each agency’s definition on an emergency is different.  Ms. Ellestad ended by stating that Skagit County may want to execute an amendment to the license [to retain the Interim Protection Plan/IPP] until more of the issues have been resolved.”
9/20/2011 Discussion/Possible Action:  Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA)/ National Marine Fisheries Services (NFMS) Biological Opinion (BiOP) Proposal Skagit County Commissioners adopt new regulations, to comply with the Endangered Species Act regarding development within a floodplain”.
August 2011
8/2/2011 Work Session:  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Relicensing Regarding Imminent Drawdown on the Baker River “Mr. Berentson stated that the work session regarding this issue was necessary because multiple agencies do not feel that imminent drawdown is being adequately addressed.  Mr. Berentson stated that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has decided that there is little benefit from imminent drawdown, which is holding the outflow from the dam before a storm system, in order to lower the water level in the river so that it can better accommodate the new water from the storm system.  Mr. Berentson commended PSE for their work during the 2003 flood and stated that the dams were managed well.
...
“Mr. Berentson stated that Skagit County’s objectives for the outcome of the general investigation included: negotiating additional storage and reservoir management operations for flood control in the Upper and Lower Baker and Ross dams and improving off-channel storage, increasing conveyance and eliminating major flood impediment in the multi-bridge corridor including debris management, rehabilitate the levee system downstream of Sedro-Woolley providing flood protection and salmonid habitat, creating emergency flood relief to spill excess water onto the flood plain, if necessary. ”
8/16/2011 Update:  Skagit River General Investigation Reset and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Relicensing Regarding Imminent Drawdown on the Baker River Natural Resources Division Manager Dan Berentson stated that a path forward would need to be found regarding the General Investigation Reset.  Mr. Berentson discussed the need to complete a feasibility report by October and evaluate potential flood damage in the Baker water system.  Mr. Berentson discussed the difficulty of finding agency funding for this project, but that funding would be necessary in order to meet the current milestones and move forward.  Mr. Berentson stated that once this project was completed, then there would be a long-term solution in place for flood damage in Skagit County.
...
“Mr. Berentson stated that Public Works is still working with Puget Sound Energy, the Aquatic Resources Group, and the Cities regarding 107c of the Settlement Agreement for Relicensing for imminent drawdown on the Baker River.  Mr. Berentson stated that comments have been submitted on PSE’s preliminary draft report.  Mr. Berentson stated that there were two main issues which needed to be addressed: 1. How will PSE achieve the target draw down to 140,000 acre feet in the Baker Dam without the Interim Protection Plan?  2.  Skagit County, the Cities, and the Dike Districts would like to write a document regarding public safety protocols in order to improve the response and coordination for each municipality and department during a flood event.  Mr. Berentson stated that everyone would benefit from knowing what steps each partner would be taking during a flood event. Commissioner Dahlstedt stated that the Interim Protection Plan would not only benefit and protect the citizens of Skagit County, but would be improving the conditions for healthy fish habitat as well.”
June 2011
6/21/2011 “As a result of the Biological Opinion, FEMA, through the NFIA had an additional role to protect salmon and orca whales. Mr. Christensen explained that there were 122 communities throughout the Puget Sound who must draft new codes, regulations and rules for development in flood hazard areas.  He indicated that the development activities could create no harm, or adverse effects on endangered salmon and whales.”
March 2011
3/29/2011   As stated in the meeting by Tim DeVries, Building Official and Floodplain Manager, “Development in the floodplain as encouraged by the National Flood Insurance Program is causing jeopardy.  That it's causing jeopardy to the salmon and their habitat.”  Therefore FEMA had to change its regulations to make sure “the salmon are protected.”  Skagit County and its local governments are working to adapt to the FEMA regulations.
November 2010
11/2/2010 Randy Good Public Comment Randy Good of ... Sedro-Woolley commented on flooding in Skagit County.  He stated that property and ten homes were damaged during the January 2009 flood.  Mr. Good discussed his disappointment that the Hansen Creek Flood Control Zone.  He went on to comment on the fact that the lower segment, known as Reach 5 between Highway 20 and Minkler Road, had been left out of the Alluvial Fan planning process. Mr. Good requested the Commissioners help to protect their property, livelihood, safety, and welfare from imminent flooding threats.
October 2010
10/19/2010 Work Session:  Discussion of Flood Awareness Week (October 18 through 22, 2010), with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Discussion of flood preparedness by the Corps of Engineers Seattle District and Skagit County Government.  Also, Chair Dillon asked Tim DeVries, Planning and Development Services, to clarify his new position as Floodplain Manager.  Mr. DeVries observed that Skagit County has an unusually large flood plain, growing development activity, and new regulations with mapping and biological assessments.  It was apparent that Skagit County needed a central source for review of development activities within the flood plain, preservation of habitat, and avoidance of natural hazards.  His position will review development in the flood plain, promote good flood plain management practices, and develop a long-term strategy for management.
10/5/2010 Work Session - Snohomish County Presentation of the Sauk River Comprehensive Flood/Erosion Hazard Management Plan Bob Aldrich, Project Coordinator of Snohomish County Public Works Department, thanked the Commissioners and Skagit County for contributing to this plan.  Mr. Aldrich stated that the largest hazard posed by Sauk River is not necessarily flooding, but erosion.  The Commissioners were briefed on the history Sauk River flooding and Mr. Aldrich stated that in 2005 Skagit and Snohomish Counties partnered on an Ecology FCAAP Grant in which a stakeholder committee was formed.  The stakeholder committee’s goal was to find methods for reducing flood and erosion damage, restoring salmon runs, and protecting property.
...
Commissioner Dahlstedt stated that mother nature is in charge and rivers go where they want to.
August 2010
8/10/2010 Discussion: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Community Meeting Update “Gary Christensen, Director, wanted to share with the Board, and interested viewers, the flood insurance rate maps which the Geographic Information Services Department put together using the information recently received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  He introduced Tim DeVries, County Building Official, who updated the Board on each of the scheduled community meetings with County, City, and Federal Emergency Management Agency before discussing the flood insurance rate maps. ”
July 2010
7/6/2010 Skagit County Public Works and Planning Briefing of Skagit County Commissioners RE: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps on Skagit 21 Skagit County Commissioners and staff discuss the released FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the Skagit River from Concrete to the mouth.  Items of discussion include options of appeal and financing to address the Skagit River Flood Risk.

See also: June 30, 2010 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Packet for Skagit County (65 MB PDF file), & June 15, 2010 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Update - Status of Flood Mapping for Skagit County plus October 29, 2007 Public Meeting - Skagit County Community Update Regarding FEMA Flood Mapping
June 2010
June 15 FEMA and Skagit County Government have a meeting regarding the upcoming re-release of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps/FIRMs for all of Skagit County.
See also: An Evaluation of Flood Frequency Analyses for the Skagit River, Skagit County, Washington
October 2009
Oct. 20 Dan Berentson, Public Works Natural Resources Division Manager, was present to introduce Kathy Dejardin and Eric Winters from the Seattle District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who presented their current work plan to the Board.  Sandbagging demonstrations and communication trials between the County, Dike Districts and local community are on their agenda.  The annual high school sand bagging competition and Search and Rescue sandbag training is coming up soon.  Mr. Winters stated that Skagit County has the third worst river on the west coast, and the best maintained levy’s in the State of Washington.  Their job is to try to prevent and reduce damage to our infrastructure.
May 2009
May 5 Plaque Presentation by FEMA - National Flood Insurance Program for Community Rating System “Mr. Carey stated Skagit County has one of the highest ratings in the nation for avoiding property damage due to flooding. FEMA awards point credits towards classification ratings for activities in communities participating over and above standard practice. ... As of October 2008, the County achieved a ’4’ classification, which reduces flood insurance premiums in the 100-year floodplain by a total of 30%.”
January 2009
Jan. 20 Presentation by FEMA Regarding the Status of the FEMA Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives and Possible Effects of the National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion on the National Flood Insurance Program “Mark Carey, Mitigation Division Director for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Division 10, presented information regarding the requirement for FEMA to review actions they undertake to determine whether they may affect endangered species or their habitats. Mr. Carey also spoke about the Endangered Species Act and its relationship with the National Flood Insurance Program.

“Mr. Carey went on to discuss the possible impacts to Skagit County from the biological opinion recently issued to FEMA by the National Marine Fisheries Service on the National Flood Insurance Program.”
August 2008
Aug. 19 Public Comment on Aug. 18 Presentation During the public comment period Carol Ehlers of West Fidalgo Island, commented on the presentation on August 18, 2008, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the GI study.   She observed the members and interest of the crowd, but also made other observations about county governance.
Aug. 18 Skagit River Flood Damage Reduction Study - Preliminary Measures Presentation Corps of Engineers presentation of possible options to reduce the Skagit River Flood Risk.  The PDF of the presentation is available HERE.
May 2008
May 19 Appointment of Flood Control Zone District Members and Dissolution of Skagit River Flood Control Committee Skagit River Flood Control Committee replaced with Flood Control Zone District Steering Committee.
May 6 Signature - Resolution Relating to the Removal of the Temporary Emergency Training Levee Extension on Cockreham Island Skagit County Commissioners plan to remove a training levee from the end of Cockreham Island.  Cockreham Island citizens also make public comments.
April 2008
April 8 Public Comment Period Carol Ehlers raises concerns about the Skagit County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) including lack of membership from the utilities and refineries, use of acronyms with laymen in FCZD meetings and discussion of how to explain the Skagit River Flood Risk.
March 2008
March 11 Update - Skagit County Community Rating System (CRS) in the FEMA/National Flood Insurance Program "Delores McLeod, Community Rating System Coordinator, said Skagit County has now received a National Flood Insurance Program, Community Rating System (CRS) Class "4" rating. She stated property owners will get an additional five percent discount on their flood insurance which will save the policy holders approximately $700,000 per year.

"Ms. McLeod went on to say approximately 130 property owners whose property is deemed "high risk" by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are in jeopardy of losing their CRS discount. Ms. McLeod said the Public Works Department is looking into the issues with the properties."
February 2008
Feb. 5 Discussion - Grant Agreement with Department of Ecology Regarding Phase 6 of the Skagit River Comprehensive Floodplain Hazard Management Plan Skagit County Government discusses update to ongoing GI Study, commissioners attempt to explain that the GI study is "coming to a conclusion with authorization from the Corps to be able to go a after bigger pot of money, federal money, to actually get some projects accomplished."
Feb. 12 Discussion - Washington State Department of Transportation Staff Todd Carlson and Tom Stacey to Present the Interstate 5 Conway to Cook Master Plan At 03:23:50 of the video at the link, Commissioners inquire of WSDOT employees about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) update potentially requiring a raising of I-5 and other impacts.
January 2008
Jan. 22

Discussion/Possible Action - Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants

nhc contracted to start providing technical support to an appeal to FEMA FIRMs.
Jan. 22 Discussion/Possible Action - Resolution and Interlocal Agreement with the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Agreement to initiate "first phase" of paleo study of The Dalles.
Jan. 22 Work Session - Flood Control Zone District Technical Committees Update to the County Commissioners of the "formation of the technical committees" for the Skagit County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD).
November 2007
Nov. 6 Resolution Defining the Organization of the Countywide Flood Control Zone District Skagit County Commissioners decide to activate the FCZD using a packet of information.
October 2007
Oct. 2 Proclamation - Flood Awareness Week - October 8-12, 2007, Including Activity Schedule Skagit County Commissioners proclaim October 8-12, 2007 as Flood Awareness Week with the issuance of Resolution No. R20070486.
Oct. 8 Jeff Johnson of Northwest Hydrology Consultants (nhc) Review of FEMA’s Levee Failure Policies and Skagit Valley Flood Elevations nhc gives a presentation explaining the FEMA FIRM policies.
Oct. 8 Resolution to Protect the Community’s Interests with Respect to Flood Risk Mapping by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Skagit County Commissioners decide to intervene in FEMA FIRM process.
Oct. 9 Work Session - Flood Awareness Week Session with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 19 minute briefing by Corps of Engineers staff
Oct. 11 Skagit River Feasibility Study Executive Committee Meeting Representatives  of the Corps of Engineers Seattle District, the Congressional delegation's staff, county government and local governments meet regarding the GI study.
Oct. 16 Resolution Defining the Skagit County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) Organization Skagit County Commissioners debate a draft of a resolution to activate the Skagit County Flood Control Zone District and accept testimony.
Oct. 22 Resolution Authorizing Expedited Review of Hamilton Urban Growth Area Proposal "Establishing an urban growth area outside of the floodway is the essential next step in advancing the broader Hamilton relocation effort. It will enable the Hamilton Public Development Authority to assist in the relocation of Town residents harmed by flood waters, and will allow the Town to fully implement its codes that prohibit redevelopment of flood-damaged properties."
Oct. 29 Public Meeting - Skagit County Community Update Regarding FEMA Flood Mapping Skagit County Government's contracted legal counsel Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates & Ellis leads a public discussion regarding Skagit County Government's appeal of FEMA's proposed new Flood Insurance Rate Map.
September 2007
Sept. 18 Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. 03578 With the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Skagit River Flood Reduction Feasibility Study Skagit County Commissioners approve increase in Corps of Engineers GI study.
August 2007
Aug. 13 Mark Mastin of USGS Presentation USGS presents their report of a slight reduction of five peak historical floods to the Skagit County Commissioners.  City of Burlington, among others, responds with a statement.
Aug. 28 Work Session - Restrictions on Development on Cockreham Island and Other Areas in the ‘Floodway’ Skagit County Public Works explains to the public through Skagit 21 the policy implications and consequences of the floodway designation on building owners.
July 2007
July 24 Discussion - Strategy and Options for Flood Control Planning Public Works brings forward to the Skagit County Commissioners a draft proposal of the Skagit County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD).  A Corps of Engineers project manager says the Corps should support the funding attached to the FCZD to help fund the completion of the Corps' GI study.
June 2007
June 26 Larry Kunzler Presentation to Skagit County Commissioners, Re: Plan B Video and documentation of alternative Plan B for managing and financing flood control efforts in Skagit County.
 

 

Date

Title

Summary

Other Videos
2013
March 13 2013-03-13 TV10 Mount Vernon City Council Video of Mayor Jill Boudreau Accepting FEMA Region X Award FEMA Region X Administrator Kenneth Murphy says in his presentation, "Flooding is still the #1 disaster actually on the planet Earth. Is the most costly, the most damaging, kills the most people."
March 27 National Wildlife Federation Video: Help NWF Protect Floodplains for People and Wildlife An almost 5 minute video about development in Western Washington State floodplains.  Burlington's floodplain development is a major subject of the movie.
2012
May 1 2012-05-01 Webmaster of SkagitRiverHistory.com Interview w/ Congressman Rick Larsen Three questions to Congressman Rick Larsen of Washington State's 2nd Congressional District on the Skagit River GI Study, funding for a project and dam storage.
Nov. 13 TVW: Oral arguments: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community v. Washington State Department of Ecology (Once the DOE sets a minimum flow rule for a river, can it later amend the rule to reduce or impair the flow?) Arguments in front of the Washington State Supreme Court on water rights.
2011
Sept. 27 2011-09-27 Mt. Vernon Mayoralty Forum Question on Floodplain Management Mount Vernon, WA mayoralty candidates Larry Otos and Jill Boudreau debate floodplain management in the Skagit River Basin for their muincipality.
Feb. 28 2011-02-28 Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley & LaConner Joint Meeting on FIRM Appeal Complete video from TV10 of the "combined meeting with the City Council of the City of Burlington, City of Sedro-Woolley and Town of LaConner to engage in a general discussion on the subject of the FEMA flood insurance study and preliminary flood insurance rate maps" plus the City Council of Mount Vernon The municipalities have since filed their appeal - and on the FEMA FIRM Appeals Issues Page are all appeal documents.
See also: 2/28/2011 Minutes from the Special Joint Meeting on the FEMA FIRM Appeal, 7/12/2011 State Auditor's Office Exit Item: OPMA: Special Meeting Minutes
2010
Oct. 11 Hamilton - Town at the Tipping Point Can a "Town at the Tipping Point " survive in the Skagit River floodway? A new documentary by a local filmmaker shows the love Hamilton, WA. residents feel for their little town, and the millions they've collected from FEMA after each flood.
See also: Crosscut: Should the town of Hamilton stay in the Skagit floodway?
2009
Dec. 16 KING 5 News Report on Skagit River FIRMs “Dec. 16, 2009 clip of SkagitRiverHistory.com publisher Larry Kunzler & City of Burlington Public Works Director Chal Martin on KING 5, re: Skagit River Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) from federal bureaucracy.”
Dec. 9 TV10: Clips of Financing Downtown Mount Vernon Floodwall Dike District 3 makes controversial offer of $1 million to help pay for the Mt. Vernon floodwall, and the City Council approves financial measures to pay for the structure.
Nov. 10 TV10: Clips on Downtown Revetment CLOMR Response by Mount Vernon, Washington City Council Discussion of updates to the Conditional Letter Of Map Revision (CLOMR) for the downtown Mt. Vernon floodwall, receipt of a Washington State Public Works Board grant to help pay for the project as well as additional funding to respond to the CLOMR.
Oct. 28 TV10: Mt. Vernon City Council Discussion of FEMA Request for More Info on CLOMR On Oct. 8, 2009 the hydrologic consultant to the City of Mount Vernon was requested by FEMA to provide "additional data needed to process this CLOMR". Councilman Dale Ragan inquired as to the situation.
July 15 TV10: Discussion of FEMA Denial of CLOMR for Downtown Floodwall 91 minutes of discussion by Mount Vernon City Government, Pacific International Engineering & concerned citizens about the recent denial by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the request to issue a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) for the downtown revetment. The denial letter is posted online as is the rebuttal to FEMA letter is online and the presentation in PDF.
Feb. 12 TV10: Request for CLOMR for Downtown Floodwall In the name of providing "a level of flood protection up to and potentially beyond a 100-year flood event - that last goal is a result of the threat flooding poses to investment in the downtown area which greatly limits the ability of mortgage financing and requiring expensive flood insurance to mitigate risk and the increased costs of construction to comply with floodplain management regulations", the City Government of Mount Vernon (Washington) requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) for its downtown floodwall. This CLOMR for the floodwall was recently rejected by FEMA - mostly due to concerns of impacts to other jurisdictions.
2008
April 23 TV10: Update on the Flood Insurance Study City of Mount Vernon TV10 video hosted on Vimeo of April 23, 2008 Presentation by City of Burlington Public Works Director Chal Martin after being introduced by City Government of Mount Vernon Community and Economic Development Department Director Jana Hanson using historical data to debate the hydrology used by the Federal Government to assess the Skagit River Flood Risk. The slides are available in PDF HERE. Finally, comments and observations were made towards the end of the presentation by Mt. Vernon Mayor Bud Norris, John Schultz - attorney for Dike Districts 1 & 12, and also Dike District 17 Commissioner Daryl Hamburg.
See also: City of Burlington Public Works Update - Skagit River Flood Issues
2007
May 24 May 24, 2007 Town Hall Meeting - FEMA Flood Mapping: How Will It Affect You? City of Mount Vernon TV10 video of May 24, 2007 town hall meeting convened by the Mount Vernon and Burlington Chambers of Commerce regarding FEMA flood mapping for flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) that set the rate for flood insurance. Employees from the City of Burlington, City of Mount Vernon, their independent chambers of commerce, and FEMA as well as county commissioner candidate Don Gordon, Jeff Hansell of Hansell-Mitzel Homes and Bob Rauch all spoke at the meeting before a question & answer session at 66:20.

Video, quality titles and credit are by TV10. The first minute stutters, but that's okay.
Sept. 5 September 5, 2007 Burlington-Mount Vernon Joint City Council Meeting

Briefing by City Engineer of Burlington Chal Martin on Skagit River hydrology issues, followed by discussion and action to join the Skagit Flood Advisory Conference Team (Skagit FACT). Also a request for the federal government to submit the municipal-generated data from expeditions to The Smith House and work by Pacific International Engineering (PIE, PI Engineering).

As to documents, the Impacts of an Incorrect Hydrologic Analysis for the Skagit River presentation is available, as is the Joint Resolution of the Cities of Burlington and Mount Vernon to use PIE hydrology for FEMA base flood elevation maps plus a Joint Mount Vernon-Burlington letter to US Rep. Rick Larsen, Re: Support for alternative hydrology.  Finally, official Mount Vernon minutes are available.

Oct. 23 TV10: Community Hydrology and Base Flood Maps City of Mount Vernon TV10 video of an October 23, 2007 Mount Vernon town hall meeting on the proposed revised FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).