HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 11 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
February 11, 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: 00: 35 AM)
Present: Sam Crawford, Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Carl Weimer, Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Pete Kremen.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION REGARDING PROPOSED COSTCO TRAFFIC IMPACT
ANALYSIS (AB2014 -076)
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, submitted and read from handouts (on file)
and gave a staff report.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the challenges of analyzing, proposing,
and implementing changes to Slater Road at I -5 and Pacific Highway, including stop control
and /or pre - channelization. He asked if staff will come back and propose solutions to Council
in six months. Rutan stated they will.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of what happens to these intersections if
Costco opens.
Buchanan asked and there was discussion of the State's priority for relocating the
Interstate 5 northbound onramp to Pacific Highway.
Todd Carlson, Washington State Department of Transportation, stated the federal
highway requirements also apply. It doesn't necessarily have approval. The legislature
ultimately funds projects. This project will cost $8 million to $9 million.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether they get rid of the existing
northbound onramp or add a second ramp and how much Costco considered the existing
traffic in its study.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of how they must put at least a three -way
stop at the Slater Road and Northwest Road intersection.
Browne stated he supports roundabouts, particularly at intersections that are close to
other intersections. He asked and there was discussion of the decision process to choose
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 1
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stoplights versus roundabouts. He encouraged staff to look at roundabout studies from
England, where roundabouts are more common.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of whether signalizations break up the traffic
flow and create traffic intervals. This problem is more extensive than issues just with
Costco. He hasn't seen any meaningful accountings for other development in the area.
Mann asked and there was discussion of how a Slater Road extension to the east
would impact these issues. The County's job is to provide a safe, orderly, and efficient flow
for transportation. He's not interested in making sure no one has to sit through a full cycle
at a stop light or wait to make a left turn. There is a point when the return on investment is
zero. Be aware of the limitations of traffic improvements and of future transportation
alternatives.
Brenner stated they keep postponing work on Slater Road, which would address
issues from all over the county.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of why the State hasn't put stop signs in on
Slater Road. Carlson stated that at some point they have to trade convenience for safety.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
3. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SLATER ROAD INTERSECTIONS, IMHOFF
AND FERNDALE ROADS PROJECT FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT
BASED BUDGET FOR THE SLATER ROAD INTERSECTIONS, IMHOFF AND
FERNDALE ROADS PROJECT (AB2014 -043) (11 :57:14 AM)
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, gave a staff report.
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked how this relates to a past discussion about increasing the elevation
of Slater Road. Rutan stated these two intersections are west of the Nooksack Bridge on
Slater Road. The proposed area for raising is east of the river.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
CONSENT AGENDA
11. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL LOAN AND GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING THROUGH THE EDI
PROGRAM FOR THE CITY'S NORTH END REGIONAL STORMWATER FACILITY
PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500,000 (AB2014 -087) (12 :01 :20 PM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report and answered questions.
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 2
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Brenner stated approval is premature. There are more questions about that area
than answers. Development may not be in the interest of the people. If it was just for
current stormwater uses, she would support it. She won't support it without information
about what is going to go there and the impact.
Browne asked and there was discussion of whether they need this project whether or
not Costco is developed.
Crawford stated he's ready to move forward. The Council's concerns have been
given to the City of Bellingham. It would be in the best interest of Costco and other area
developers to look at the Slater Road intersection, which would provide a better situation for
retail. However, the City stepped up to provide municipal support for development.
Stormwater funding is exactly what the economic development investment (EDI) fund was
meant for. He implores the City to continue to work with the County on regional traffic
solutions, including the 2016 Comprehensive Plan update.
Kremen described the history and purpose of the rural sales tax and the constraints
on rural areas that cities don't have. The City was not envisioned to be the kind of
community that the rural sales tax was intended for. The City can generate revenue for its
services and constituents.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY
CODE 3.08.090, BID REQUIREMENTS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND DEPOSITS
(AB2014 -069) (12:12 :54 PM)
The following staff answered questions:
• Dan Gibson, Prosecutor's Office
• Tyler Schroeder, Planning and Development Services Department
• Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department
• Jack Louws, County Executive
Weimer stated there is a substitute version of the ordinance and gave a report. He
would like to know if councilmembers are interested in moving forward this ordinance for
introduction.
Crawford stated contract renewals for treatment services with added monies using
State funds come before the Council. He asked how that is different.
Browne stated and there was discussion of funding potential future legal challenges
to any decision the Council makes.
Brenner stated and there was discussion that this is about one specific application
and environmental impact statement (EIS) for which the Council will sit as judges. The
Council will get in legal trouble with this.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 3
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of the problem that this would resolve,
whether the ordinance would be retroactive, past history of contract extensions beyond
$10,000, the Executive's perspective on the issue, and whether the County is recovering all
its costs on the Gateway Pacific Terminal project.
Buchanan asked and there was discussion of whether the Council has a say in the
invoicing process.
Brenner stated and there was discussion that this ordinance is too site - specific and
would nullify their ability to make a decision when the project comes forward.
Weimer stated he believes the Executive acted in concert with the code. The
question is what the Council wants the code to be.
Browne stated and there was discussion about having broad oversight to avoid
secondary costs such as insurance or litigation.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether they need the other resolution
if they approve this. He asked Councilmember Weimer's concerns.
Weimer stated his concerns are about transparency and making sure all the County's
time is reimbursed. Schroeder stated there is the cost reimbursement, which is when the
company agrees to reimburse the County's time, and the actual pass- through contract with
CH2M Hill. They are separate contracts. He described the contract. They could discuss a
cost reimbursement process outside the escrow account for CH2M Hill.
Brenner stated a generic change requires a charter amendment, but this is not
generic.
Mann stated this ordinance would be great with other contracts, but the scope and
budget for the GPT contract are inextricably linked and intertwined. He asked and there
was discussion of whether the Council can have any meaningful discussion of a contract
amendment on this project without it contaminating their perception or bias.
Crawford moved to recommend introduction to the Council for the purpose of
discussion.
Weimer stated the designated SEPA official has already determined the scope, so the
Council can't change it. He believes they can still talk about scope. Other decision - makers
have talked about the scope. The Council should have had input early in the process to
make sure the EIS includes information necessary to make a good decision. They are trying
to make a good decision that is best for all parties. However, it's too late to open the
scope, and he doesn't intend to delay the process.
Crawford stated he is against the motion. This is the most public permitting process
that has ever occurred in Whatcom County. The County's time is being compensated for.
There is a process for scoping overall.
Louws stated Council should look at other costs not included in the administrative
contract, including cost recovery through the Hearing Examiner and Council public hearing
processes.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 4
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Buchanan asked for more information about whether they can adopt the ordinance
without prejudging the GPT project.
Browne moved to hold in committee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne and Buchanan (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
5. RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE NOT ENTER INTO
FURTHER CONTRACT AMENDMENTS ON CONTRACT NO. 201205028 WITH
CH2M HILL WITHOUT COUNTY COUNCIL REVIEW AND APPROVAL (AB2014-
070) (1:00:05 PM)
Crawford stated there is a substitute version of the resolution.
Buchanan moved to recommend approval of the substitute to the full Council.
Crawford asked and there was discussion on the effect to the Executive and the
process if the Council approves the resolution at the evening meeting, in terms of County
liability.
Dan Gibson, Prosecutor's Office, answered questions. The resolution asks the
Executive to delay signing a contract. By itself, that is not a concern.
Browne stated he's not comfortable without resolving the County Code, first.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: None (0)
Nays: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIFTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,724,000 (AB2014 -058) (1:06:26 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of combining Council and Council staff
travel monies and of whether there are any administrative policies to restrict Council staff
training and travel.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether other councilmembers are
interested in attending the National Association of Counties (NaCO) annual conference.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 5
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2.
4.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE DAKOTA CREEK BRIDGE NO. 500 PROJECT
FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR THE DAKOTA
CREEK BRIDGE NO. 500 PROJECT (AB2014 -042) (1:19:18 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
REPLACEMENT FUND AND RELATED CAPITAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION
(AB2014 -059) (1:19:43 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked and there was
discussion of making sure a phone system allows for the catastrophic loss of facilities and
relocation of the phones, in the event of emergency preparedness.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions and introduced new staff.
Deanna Reynolds, Administrative Services Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF UNCOLLECTIBLE
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (AB2014 -077) (1:22:08 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Browne asked and there was discussion of the possibility of collecting the funds
before the statute of limitations expired.
The following staff answered questions:
• Shonda Shipman, Public Works Department
• Jack Louws, County Executive
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE TREASURER'S LIST OF PETITIONS FOR
PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS (AB2014 -078) (1:28:29 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 6
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Weimer asked and there was discussion of having a presentation on the Board of
Equalization.
Brenner stated most refunds are for seniors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. RESOLUTION CANCELING UNCOLLECTIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
(AB2014 -079) (1:30:15 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE
PURCHASE OF THREE REPLACEMENT 1 -TON CAB AND CHASSIS WITH 2 -3
YARD DUMP BODY FROM THE LOWEST BIDDER, LEGACY FORD, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $107,927.76 (AB2014 -080) (1:30:29 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked for more detailed information on maintenance requirements.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF GLASS BEADS FOR TRAFFIC
MARKING PAINT USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, FROM
VENDOR ALPINE PRODUCTS, IN AN APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $100,000
(AB2014 -081) (1:31:51 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF LIGHT BARS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT IN 2014 FOR PATROL
VEHICLES USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, FROM VENDOR
AUTO ADDITIONS, INC., IN AN APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $70,000
(AB2014 -082) (1:32:19 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 7
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON
MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) FOR THE PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 (AB2014 -083) (1:32:38 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
AND THE WHATCOM COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ASSIST IN
COLLECTING, ORGANIZING, AND PREPARING DATA AND REPORTS
RELEVANT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES AND TENANTS AS
WELL AS PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE CRIME ANALYSIS UNIT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $47,885 (AB2014 -084) (1:32:53 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM EVENTS TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ADVERTISING AND TOURISM PROMOTION OF THE
ANNUAL SKI TO SEA RACE IN WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$30,000 (AB2014 -085) (1 :33:31 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if this is the same amount as in the past.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
10. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND GERALDINE COLEMAN TO
PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR CHILDREN IN AT RISK YOUTH AND
CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES PETITIONS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,708.33
PER MONTH (AB2014 -086) (1:34 :24 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 8
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
12. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND COMGROUP FOR
TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $72,430 (AB2014 -059A) (1:34:54 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/11/2014, Page 9