Resolution 4729 - Laserfiche WebLink

ARV 1 �r; RESOLUTION NO. 4 7 2 9 A RESOLUTION relating to the listing of Puget Sound Chinook salmon and other species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act; authorizing City of Everett representatives to negotiate with agencies of the federal government and elected officials concerning Everett's response to such listings; and outlining the City's proposed early response to the listings. WHEREAS,the National Marine Fisheries Service("NMFS") is expected to list Puget Sound Chinook Salmon("Chinook")under the Endangered Species Act("ESA") in March 1999; and WHEREAS,the State of Washington is developing a recovery plan for Chinook; and WHEREAS,the health and sustainability of salmon are important to the citizens of Everett; and WHEREAS,the City of Everett has made significant investments to protect and preserve fish habitat, particularly in the Sultan Basin where the City has water supply operations; and WHEREAS,the City of Everett is committed to supporting environmental values in the timely updating of its regulatory programs consistent with current scientific knowledge; and WHEREAS,the City of Everett provides a critical role in the region's ability to absorb population growth gracefully,thereby reducing the growth's impact on natural areas and critical habitat; and WHEREAS,the City of Everett has a strong commitment to water quality and continues to invest in stormwater, sewerage, and drainage improvements; and WHEREAS,the City of Everett is a partner in the Tri-County effort to develop a regional recovery plan for Chinook salmon; and WHEREAS, on June 29, 1998,the Everett City Attorney, in response to the March 9, 1998 National Marine Fisheries Services proposed listing the Chinook as threatened under the ESA, provided a 16 page comment on the proposed Chinook listing and attached applicable copies of City regulations, guidelines, ordinances, agreements, studies, maps, and plans which related to salmon habitat; and WHEREAS, in preparation for the proposed Chinook listing under the ESA,the City of Everett has already committed to certain projects and programs as part of its early action response and since March 9, 1998 expended in excess of $180,000.00 in personnel salaries,travel, seminar and conference expenses, expenses and expenditures for meetings with other jurisdictions, scientists and other experts; and WHEREAS, in anticipation of and in preparation for the proposed listing,the City of Everett and as part of its early action response retained the consulting firm of Golder Associates, Inc. of Redmond, Washington a firm comprising a team of natural resource experts, salmon biologists, estuarine ecologists, water quality and supply experts, wetland ecologists, engineers, planners and regulatory specialists under a $145,000.00 contract; and 1