HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance July 22 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
July 22, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:15 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11:16:49 AM)
Present: Sam Crawford, Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen, Carl Weimer and Ken Mann.
EXECUTIVE REPORTS
Jack Louws, County Executive, reported on the following items:
• Slater Road overpass traffic improvement project in the amount of $300,000
• Renewed Council of Governments Smart Trips program
• Open house for the new Whatcom emergency center
• A water forum at Rome Grange
• Developing an interlocal agreement with the small cities to share sales tax to
pay for jail facilities
• Hiring a new Planning Manager and promoting staff to the new Lummi Island
Ferry and Special Projects Manager
• A proposal to move the Solid Waste Division from the Public Works
Department to the Health Department
• Evaluating submissions for the telecommunications project
• Requesting money to implement the mental health court
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
THIRTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $790,206 (AB2014 -255)
Ann Deacon, Health Department, submitted a handout (on file) and gave a staff
report.
Bruce Van Glubt, District Court and Adult Probation Administrator, stated he
represents the District Court judges, who support a mental health court, which will bring
more resources to judges and probation officers. Spend as much money as possible to
directly pay for clients and support services.
Mike Watson, Lake Whatcom Treatment Center Chief Executive Officer (CEO), stated
it's important to have the support of the criminal justice system to get clients to adhere to a
treatment program.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 1
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Pete Smiley, Bellingham Municipal Court Commissioner, stated everyone in the
criminal justice and mental health systems agree this service is necessary. Citizens voted
to provide funds for mental health services. There is proof across the country that mental
health court is a better approach than the current status quo. The Mental Health Court
Program Manager staff person is critically necessary for making the program work. Endorse
this proposal.
Deacon stated the budget today is just for the program manager position to get
through the end of 2014. They plan to budget $250,000 for the first year, and will
reevaluate costs after that. They are able to leverage other funds. Many treatment costs
will be covered by other sources.
Crawford asked why this wasn't passed in 2009; why they project an annual expense
of $4 million, when the revenue is less; and if they assume that people with mental health
issues will come in contact with the criminal justice system first or if they will do outreach.
Deacon stated some of the dollars they spend now on operations will be covered by other
funds, so the budget will balance. They over - budget for the first two years only. All the
people targeted by this mental health court have not been successful with just treatment
efforts. These people often cycle through the criminal justice system. The program is
voluntary.
Crawford stated don't develop a system with a high cost of case management and no
ability to measure whether someone in the program is following the program appropriately.
Smiley stated studies show this is a cost - saving program. It's more expensive to keep
someone mentally ill in the jail, where the County is constitutionally required to provide all
treatment and services. He described the current process and the new process for
managing jail inmates with mental health issues.
Crawford asked how a violent offender will be kept from accessing the program as an
escape from being held accountable. Deacon stated someone engaged in violent felony
behavior would not meet the criteria for being allowed to use the program.
Browne asked how this changes someone's eligibility for federal benefits. Deacon
stated that if incarcerated, the correctional facility pays the cost. The program hopes to
minimize incarceration time.
Browne stated he supports the proposal for a drug court. He would like the program
to track cost savings.
Brenner stated she supports the program. She asked why they are talking about
this now instead of at budget time. Deacon stated they want to hire someone now to
finalize the program design and launch the program by the end of the year.
Brenner asked for statistics on how successful a diversion program is for the most
severely mentally ill. Smiley stated the program manager will have expertise to provide
that information.
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)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 2
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2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND LAND DEVELOPMENT AND
ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES
FOR THE BEACHWAY DRIVE AND FERN /PARK STORMWATER
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,400 (AB2014 -260)
(11: 52:50 AM)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.
Brenner asked about the private contractor keeping track of the program instead of
County staff.
Kraig Olason, Public Works Department, stated funds are from the Birch Bay
Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) district funds. He will still
provide contract oversight.
Weimer asked if these types of positions will be County positions, given the
upcoming national pollution discharge elimination system (NPDES) requirements. Olason
stated all the projects tend to happen at the same time.
Crawford described the four agenda items related to this project. Olason gave a
staff report on this and the following three agenda items.
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 TETRA TECH, INC. FOR
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE BEACHWAY DRIVE AND
FERN /PARK STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$50,924 (AB2014 -261) (11:59:49 AM)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors. See agenda item two for discussion of this item.)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the Flood Control Zone District Board
of Supervisors.
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
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ROSARIO ARCHAEOLOGY, LLC
FOR CULTURAL RESOURCE INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE BEACHWAY DRIVE
AND FERN /PARK STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $34,874.40 (AB2014 -262) (12:00:10 PM)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 3
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(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors. See agenda item two for discussion of this item.)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.
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
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE LOW
BIDDER, LEN HONCOOP GRAVEL, INC. FOR THE BEACHWAY DRIVE AND
FERN /PARK STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$520,923.39 (AB2014 -263) (12:00:35 PM)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors. See agenda item two for discussion of this item.)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the Flood Control Zone District Board
of Supervisors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.03, BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS, TO CHANGE APPLICATION DEADLINES (AB2014 -258)
(12:01:15 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He gave a report on
this item and the next agenda item.
Crawford stated many applicants are aware of positions only because local media
bring up topics the day before or day of the meeting. That's when people become informed
of the opportunities. Many current board and commission members applied at the last
minute. He wants to accept applications at any time, even during the meeting. There
doesn't seem to be a great need for this.
Brenner stated the ordinance is a good idea. It's not easy to read everything that
comes at the last minute. They've heard from members of the public that they want the
Council to allow extra time to review applicants.
Browne stated he would like time to determine which applicant is the best for the
position.
Weimer stated that if a candidate provides an application at the last minute, nothing
precludes the Council from holding the appointment to the next meeting, regardless of the
deadline.
Mann stated he supports an earlier deadline.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 4
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne and Buchanan (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
7. RESOLUTION AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 100.02, FLOOD
CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE VACANCIES, AND
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 100.06, SUBZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
VACANCIES (AB2014 -259)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors. See the previous item for discussion.)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Flood Control Zone District Board
of Supervisors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne and Buchanan (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
8. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR ACRONYM USE IN DOCUMENTS
SUBMITTED TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL (AB2014 -276)
Browne moved to recommend approval of the substitute version to the full Council.
(12:14:02 PM)
Browne stated delay sections four through seven until the website is upgraded. He
moved to amend:
• item 4, "At the time of the County's website upgrade, the County Council
requests that each department..."
• item five should be renumbered 4.a
• item six should be renumbered 4.b
• the first item seven should be renumbered 4.c
• the second item seven should be renumbered item 5
• Delete language in the last item, "...www.plainlanguage.gov and attached as-
Exhibit A to this el utmen n
Kremen stated add language in the resolution that does not run afoul of the County
Charter, to request the County Executive to direct staff to accomplish all these goals and
objectives.
Crawford suggested a friendly amendment to amend the resolved statement,
"Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by that the Whatcom County Council that Elee R9
pFepaFed by Geunty staff requests that the County Executive directs staff to prepare
documents that shall adhere to the following guidelines:
Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
Kremen stated make sure the language specifically says that the County Council
makes this request of the Executive.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 5
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Crawford stated Councilmember Browne will work on amending the language in the
friendly amendment before the evening meeting to make the request specific to the County
Executive.
The motion to recommend the substitute as amended carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF UNCLAIMED FUNDS MORE
THAN TWO YEARS OLD FROM THE WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL INMATE TRUST
FUND (AB2014 -264) (12:28:48 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)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF SHERIFFS AND POLICE CHIEFS TO VERIFY
THE ADDRESS AND RESIDENCY OF ALL REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS AND
KIDNAPPING OFFENDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RCW 9A.44.130, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $143,090.49 (AB2014 -265) (12 :29:15 PM)
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)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MAUL, FOSTER & ALONGI,
INC. FOR UPDATE TO THE COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN, IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,981 (AB2014 -266) (12 :29 :53
PM)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Weimer asked the purpose, why it costs so much, and why no public involvement
process is included. People in Point Roberts want to change their recycling plan to recycling
more materials. It doesn't look like those folks have an opportunity for input.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, stated there is a visionary process by the
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), which will be in charge of the update. Members
of the public are invited to attend and be a part of the process. SWAC may set up one or
more subcommittees to shepherd the plan along.
Weimer stated there should be public outreach at the beginning of the process,
beyond the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 6
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Crawford stated the scope of this contract, which has already been awarded, doesn't
include any public outreach. He asked if there will be an opportunity through tasks one and
two to renegotiate and include an outreach effort for public comment. Stoyka stated they
should be able to talk with the contractor about doing a more extensive public outreach
process. They had hoped to begin the contract soon.
Browne stated aggressively identify all the recyclable material in the waste stream
early in the process.
Crawford asked if they can hold this in committee for two weeks to talk to the
contractor and SWAC about including a public outreach process in the beginning of the
project. Stoyka stated the SWAC meets quarterly, and must approve the plan.
Browne stated the process should also identify best management practices for
recycling.
Weimer stated see if the SWAC can meet in early September instead of now for the
first discussion with this contractor. The SWAC members and the public must be prepared
for this visionary meeting. Move forward with the contract now, approve an amendment to
include public outreach, delay the SWAC's visionary meeting until September, and begin to
prepare the SWAC members for the visionary process at the meeting on Thursday. It's
possible for the County staff to do the public outreach, not the contractor.
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
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RH2 ENGINEERING, INC. FOR
THE UPDATE OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COORDINATED WATER SYSTEM
PLAN — REGIONAL SUPPLEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $174,776 (AB2014-
267) (12:49:21 PM)
Browne moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The committee discussed holding in committee for two weeks.
Browne referenced Council packet page 189, subsection 6. Make sure they review
the planned improvement and capital replacement schedules, know what sort of reserve
accounting policies are in place, and validate that the water systems are doing what they
must to continue operating, including succession planning.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, stated task six deals with an appeals
process. The individual water system plans outline the detailed analyses that
Councilmember Browne mentions. Those individual plans become incorporated into the
Coordinated Water Systems Plan (CWSP). The State Department of Health reviews the
individual plans.
Browne stated that if the systems fail, the County must become the service provider,
which is why he would like to know this information about each provider. The County must
assume the liability. It must know what liability it is assuming. Make sure the systems can
function in perpetuity and budget to replace their infrastructure. He referenced task eight
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 7
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regarding regional resources and asked if it is too duplicative and subjective. Stoyka stated
they will review those items through the plan update and see if they're still relevant.
Browne withdrew his motion and moved to hold in committee and asked staff to
identify common best practices of the State for auditing the health of those systems.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Browne and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF AUTO PARTS FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2014 THROUGH
AUGUST 2015, USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, FROM AUTO
ZONE STORES, CARQUEST AUTO PARTS (DBA NAPA), MOTION AUTO
SUPPLY, AND SEATTLE AUTOMOTIVE DISTRIBUTING, IN AN ESTIMATED
AMOUNT OF $80,000 (AB2014 -268) (1:06:36 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 1:07 p.m.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/22/2014, Page 8