HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance January 28 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
January 28, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Member Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11: 03:36 AM)
Present: Sam Crawford, Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Pete Kremen, and Carl Weimer.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AB2014 -021)
Buchanan moved to appoint Crawford.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. PRESENTATION OF THE 2013 SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER'S
RESULTS RELATED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PORT OF BELLINGHAM, CITY OF BELLINGHAM
AND WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2014 -044) (11:04:36 AM)
John Michener, Port of Bellingham, submitted and read from a handout (on file) and
answered questions. With the economic downturn, they've focused on retention instead of
recruitment. When local companies want to expand, they will put the companies in touch
with experts who can help them with in -depth counseling to solve their issues.
Jennifer Shelton, Small Business Center Director, read from a presentation in the
Council packet and answered questions.
Browne described the reasons he moved his business to Whatcom County. He asked
and there was discussion of how they attract business to Whatcom County.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of requirements of Canadians to start or
expand a business into the United States.
Shelton read through materials beginning on Council packet page ten.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 1
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Mann asked and there was discussion of the amount of the Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) budget that is provided by the Tribe and other groups and
whether the SBDC competes with private sector business counseling services.
Browne asked if the SBDC presents quarterly trends and stated it is as equally easy
for Whatcom County businesses to expand into Canada.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of inviting certain businesses and
industries to present information to the Finance Committee once per quarter, so
councilmembers can be more aware of what is going on in the county.
The Committee concurred.
Kremen stated schedule future updates from the SBDC at the full Council meeting at
least once per year to educate the county citizens.
2. GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL PROJECT UPDATE (AB2014 -034A) (11:37 :09
AM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the Council and community has questions
about the status of the project. He's asked Mr. Schroeder to give an update and take
questions from the Council about the work being done and the County's process.
Tyler Schroeder, Planning and Development Services Department, referenced his
email to Executive Louws dated January 15 regarding scoping and contracts with CH2M Hill.
He updated the committee on the status of the contract for writing the draft environmental
impact statement (DEIS). He read through the email.
(11: 54 :39 AM)
Weimer stated most of his questions were answered. Because this is an important
process for the community, he would like each amendment to come to the committee for
review, even though it's not required. He asked and there was discussion of why there isn't
a clear document about what will be in the scope, whether the Council's review timeframe
can expand beyond 45 days, and whether the Council can get a staff person to organize the
materials on behalf of the Council, since the councilmembers aren't allowed to look at the
information. He is concerned that the process could stall if they have to wait until later in
the process to ask for information that isn't included. He stated and there was discussion
that certain issues should be included up front, such as rail improvement issues.
Browne asked and there was discussion of the process for the contracts between
CH2M Hill and the relationship among contract parties and whether the County commits to
any expenditure that isn't first fully funded.
Buchanan asked and there was discussion of the internal costs the County incurs and
how much the County has invoiced at this point.
Browne asked and there was discussion of how they make sure the community's
questions about rail impacts are fully incorporated into the DEIS to the satisfaction of those
parties and whether this process deals with all seven questions in the major development
permit process.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 2
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Brenner asked and there was discussion of how long the public has to comment on
the DEIS, whether the final EIS is released after that, how long it takes to go through the
Hearing Examiner process, and whether the Department of Ecology's staff time is
reimbursed.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the councilmembers should have
input on the scope so they get the information they want to make a decision, whether the
councilmembers comment on the DEIS, and whether the councilmembers are allowed to see
the DEIS when it is issued.
Royce Buckingham, Prosecutor's Office, answered questions. The councilmembers
can review materials, but not review anything off - record, which could make councilmembers
biased.
Browne asked and there was discussion of which materials are considered on the
record.
Kremen thanked Mr. Schroeder. He is concerned about the number of comments
received during the scoping process so far given the enormity of this issue and how the
Council needs staff support for this unique issue. He asked and there was discussion of
whether the administration has considered the high expense of going through the Hearing
Examiner process for all projects. He asked the per hour rate the Department of Ecology is
being reimbursed and if councilmembers are allowed to open and read email regarding this
project, since the emails are public record.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the role of the Planning Commission in
this process and whether the pending contract will have a clear list if items that CH2M Hill
must produce.
Brenner asked and there was discussion about whether the Hearing Examiner's open
record hearing can include new information.
Browne stated he suggests that the County website include an updated schedule.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FOURTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $775,964 (AB2014 -041) (12:31:27 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the item regarding health insurance
increases for corrections deputies.
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, answered questions.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions and stated the administration will
make a presentation to the Council soon about a report on the jail fund.
Brenner referenced packet page 34. She asked and there was discussion of whether
the unanticipated improvements will come before the Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 3
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Crawford asked for more information on and there was discussion of the frost
detector item.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
BELLINGHAM AND THE PORT OF BELLINGHAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ENSURING CONSISTENCY IN DELIVERY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $405,000 (AB2013 -426) (12:38:32 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report.
Browne stated he would like a presentation on this for future renewals.
Brenner referenced Council packet page 55 and there was discussion of making a
statement about the parties delivering economic development services efficiently.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INVESTMENT PROGRAM — EDI BOARD RECOMMENDATION TO MODIFY
GUIDELINES TO ADD SINGLE AND MULTI - FAMILY HOME CONSTRUCTION AS
AN ALLOWABLE USE (AB2013 -332) (12:42 :10 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council of the substitute
version.
Browne asked and there was discussion of whether this is a loan program or grant
program.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions. He asked the Council to
consider that a big multi - family project may clean out the fund. Put a maximum limit on
this project to ensure the remaining $775,000 is available to single family residences.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of the income level of 80 percent of median
income being too high and taking something out of affordable housing and not having to
pay back the loan for 20 years. Amend policy 5.b on Council packet page 71 so it includes
language from policy 5.a, "ceases to be used for affordable housing."
Crawford stated he is against the motion. He stated and there was discussion that
more government subsidized rental housing isn't needed in the community. The original
intent was investment in public infrastructure. It's become another one of many options for
government subsidized housing. Other investments would be better at attracting new
business and new jobs.
Buchanan asked and there was discussion of a suggested loan cap.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 4
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Brenner stated she suggests language to amend policy 5.b on Council packet page
71 so it includes language from policy 5.a, 'ceases to be used for affordable housing."
Mann stated he's voted against this in the past, but he has changed his mind. He
found a nexus between economic development and this program. Using this EDI fund would
make additional funding available from outside the county that would be spent on
construction jobs.
Browne asked and there was discussion of the structure of the EDI fund program.
Using the funds opens an opportunity for leveraging outside funds, but the question is
whether this is the most efficient use of funds. He would suggest a cap per project and a
trial period. He moved to hold in committee to work with the administration.
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 AUTHORIZE
PURCHASE OF WATERBORNE TRAFFIC LINE PAINT FOR 2014 USING THE
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT AND VENDOR ALPINE PRODUCTS (AB2014-
045)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of how long the paint lasts.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE
PURCHASE OF WATERBORNE TRAFFIC LINE PAINT FOR 2014 USING THE
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT AND VENDOR ENNIS PAINT (AB2014 -046)
(12:59:05 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, gave a staff report.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS
FOR ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION OF THE SAVOR WHATCOM FOOD &
FARMS PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 (AB2014 -047) (1:00:21 PM)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 5
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Browne 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 ENTER INTO A GRANT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WA STATE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,065 (AB2014 -048)
(1:01:02 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)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BOGARD ENGINEERS, PS FOR
THE WHATCOM COUNTY CENTRAL SHOP BUILDING HVAC UPGRADES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $30,665 (AB2014 -049) (1:01:25 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if it is within the budgeted amount.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PND ENGINEERS, LLC FOR
THE DESIGN OF FERRY DOCKING STRUCTURES AT LUMMI ISLAND AND
GOOSEBERRY POINT FERRY TERMINALS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,200
(AB2014 -050) (1:01:59 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)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WA STATE
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO PROVIDE A CONSERVATION CORPS CREW
FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECTS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$60,000 (AB2014 -051) (1 :02:24 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 6
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MONARCH MEDIA, INC. FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ONLINE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS
COURSE, WEBSITE, AND REPORTING SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,710
(AB2014 -052) (1:02:58 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of cost - sharing and the 2014 budget for
the program. The question is who is sharing what costs and what the County's actual share
would be.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated he would get an answer from staff.
Buchanan withdrew the motion to recommend approval.
Louws stated he will request the information from staff. This is a time - sensitive
issue. He'll try to get the information to the councilmembers before the evening meeting.
Browne stated he'd asked a question about reusing the website of another
jurisdiction to avoid the cost of starting from scratch.
Brenner stated she would like to know whether this went out for a request for
proposal (RFP) to local companies.
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SHEARER DESIGN, LLC FOR
ON -CALL SUPPORT FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY BRIDGE PROGRAM, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2014 -053) (1:07:41 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council of the substitute
contract.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of other available funding.
James Lee, Public Works Department, answered questions and explained the
contract item.
Buchanan asked and there was discussion of whether the contractor bills for
payment. He described the change in the substitute about including a clause regarding
proof of insurance.
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 AN
AMENDMENT TO A SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
NORTHWEST REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR SUPPORT OF THE MEALS ON WHEELS
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 7
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PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT
IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2014 -054) (1 :10:41 PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council. This is an important
service for the community, given reduced federal funding.
Browne stated he agrees with Councilmember Buchanan.
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 1:11 p.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2014, Page 8