Resolution No._____

A Resolution submitting an initiative measure relating to a surcharge on water utility rates to fund the acquisition of land in the Lake Whatcom Watershed to the November ballot.

Whereas, The Initiative Group, whose principals include Marian Beddill, Larry Williams and Tim Paxton, have filed with the City an Initiative Petition which would impose a surcharge on water utility rates to fund acquisition of property within the Lake Whatcom watershed; and

Whereas, the petition filed has been certified as containing the requisite number of signatures to qualify for the ballot; and

Whereas, pursuant to the City Charter, unless adopted by the City Council, initiative measures are submitted to the voters at the next municipal general election; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM:

The initiative measure known as the Drinking Water Initiative shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Bellingham at the next municipal general election on November 2, 1999 as follows:

PROPOSITION ONE (INITIATIVE)

SHALL THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM IMPOSE A SURCHARGE ON WATER UTILITY RATES OF UP TO $12 PER MONTH FOR UNMETERED SINGLE-FAMILY USERS AND A PROPORTIONATE AMOUNT FOR METERED USERS TO FUND AT LEAST $4 MILLION PER YEAR TO PROTECT THE CITY'S DRINKING WATER BY THE ACQUISITION, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY WITHIN THE LAKE WHATCOM RESERVOIR WATERSHED AND ESTABLISH A COMMISSION TO OVERSEE THE FORESTED WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM?

YES [ ]

NO [ ]

PASSED BY COUNCIL ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1999

________________

Council President

APPROVED BY ME ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1999

________________

Mayor

Attest: ____________

Finance Director

Approved as to form:

___________________

Office of the City Attorney

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