HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance April 8 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
April 8, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11: 02: 08 AM)
Present: Sam Crawford, Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Carl Weimer, Ken Mann, Barbara Brenner and Pete Kremen.
OTHER BUSINESS
PRESENTATION BY EAST WHATCOM COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON
EAST WHATCOM REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAMS (AB2014 -152)
Rebecca Boonstra, East Whatcom Community Council, described the history,
mission, current projects, and board members of the community council. She submitted
information (on file). She thanked the Council for the resource center.
Brenner asked if the resource center building is filled. Boonstra stated it is.
Browne stated the fair he attended at the resource center was well attended and well
run.
Cheryl Thompson, East Whatcom Community Council Director and Foothills Food
Bank, described the community garden and mobile food pantry programs.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of how the garden produce from the
community garden plot for the food bank is distributed.
Dave Finet, Opportunity Council, stated things are going well at with the community
council and with the resource center. They have grant funds for several programs, including
the energy assistance program.
Kelly Vogel, Opportunity Council VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator,
submitted information (on file) and described community programs at the resource center,
including entertainment programs with parents and children, a lending library, information
and referral services, fitness classes, and several future planned events and services.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the appliance program includes
refurbishment and delivery, plans for future VISTA volunteer service, and applying college
credit for classes.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/8/2014, Page 1
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Buchanan thanked the presenters for the information.
Brenner asked for a floor plan of the services in the resource center.
Kremen stated he thanks the presenters and is satisfied that the resource center is
meaningful to the community. The original primary purpose of the resource center was to
serve the children in the area. They still haven't constructed the gym, which is the most
needed and wanted aspect of the resource center. He'd like to see funding to expand the
facility for the children as soon as possible.
Crawford asked for an update in the future from the administration on continued
development of the resource center and plans for residential and commercial development
as planned by the developer who donated the property to build the resource center.
Brenner stated a Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) representative told her the bus
service to the area has improved.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE MASTER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENT, EFFECTIVE APRIL 8, 2014 (AB2014 -138) (11:32 :24 AM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated this is negotiated by the administrative staff, and recommended to
the Council, and voted on by the union members. It's a joint effort.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CANYON CREEK
INTEGRATED FISH AND FLOOD PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,023,420
(AB2014 -139) (11 :33 :33 AM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors.
Brenner asked if there are more specific criteria for the grant besides needing it and
complying with the law.
Paula Cooper, Public Works Department, described the process, which included a
written narrative about the project goals, which include habitat restoration. They also
received funds through a competitive grant program for $1.4 million for the Deming project.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/8/2014, Page 2
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3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND VAN NESS
FELDMAN, LLP, TO PROVIDE LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN GROWTH MANAGEMENT
HEARINGS BOARD CASES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000, FOR A TOTAL
AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,000 (AB2014 -136)
(11:36:04 AM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford stated he supports the motion.
Browne stated he hopes to continue discussion, but he supports because the County
should have all the options available.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DENTAL POWER
INTERNATIONAL FOR DENTAL SERVICES AT THE WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL
AND WORK CENTER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $29,988 PER YEAR
(AB2014 -140) (11 :37:15 AM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked how they managed to get it for less money and if they might be able
to keep it for less money for all one -year terms.
Wendy Jones, Sheriff's Office, stated the company was the only bidder. They may
ask for an increase, but the County doesn't have to agree and can put it out for another bid.
Crawford asked how a contractor from North Carolina can provide dental services to
the jail. Jones stated they contract with dentists in the area. In this case, a dentist from
Bellevue will provide the service.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE TO CONTINUE THE COOPERATIVE EFFORT
WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ENHANCE STATE AND LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH ACTIVITIES ON NATIONAL FOREST
SYSTEM LANDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,760 (AB2014 -141) (11 :39 :43 AM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He would like to know
why the County is accepting less than last year.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/8/2014, Page 3
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 14 -19 TO
LOW BIDDER, MCASPHALT INDUSTRIES, LTD., FOR THE PURCHASE OF
ASPHALTIC EMULSIONS, IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $1,400,000
(AB2014 -142) (11:41:15 AM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked if those goes to the lowest responsive bidder, if they contract across
the border, and if they notify local bidders.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, stated there are no current local vendors
who produce this product. The next closest producer is from Seattle, who made a bid.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF WATERBORNE TRAFFIC LINE PAINT FOR 2014 USING AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH LEWIS COUNTY FROM VENDOR SHERWIN
WILLIAMS, INC., IN AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $500,000 (AB2014 -143)
(11:43:12 AM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked if and there was discussion of getting a better price from Lewis
County and whether counties can get together to get a better price.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Browne asked and there was discussion of whether there is a shortage in this
material.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the companies that produce this kind of
paint and the benefits of high durability paint.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
Weimer stated there was an idea of having staff reports before public hearings at
evening meetings, and there was discussion of whether County department leaders need to
plan to have department staff attend Council meetings to provide staff reports.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/8/2014, Page 4
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Jack Louws, County Executive, stated staff reports are useful to set up the issue
before a public hearing. He's asking staff to attend evening meetings more often. On the
major issues, the Council Chair could allow staff to present an introductory staff report.
Weimer stated the Executive has agreed to have staff here for the controversial
issues, and he can give a short introduction to other small items.
Louws stated he signed an emergency authorization for $600,000 for a Swift Creek
bank stabilization project that has arisen. It will come forward in a budget supplemental
ordinance.
The State Street lease for the medical examiner, morgue, and other related issues
will come forward in two weeks. He invited councilmembers to contact him for a discussion
of the details over the next few weeks if they like.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:59 a.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/8/2014, Page 5