HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 12 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
February 12, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11: 07:40 AM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner, Bill Knutzen, Pete Kremen and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MT. BAKER FOOTHILLS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PROMOTION OF
THE BAKER — BIRCH BAY TOURISM PROMOTION PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $123,500 (AB2013 -053)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda and is rescheduled on February 26, 2012.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2012 -054, ESTABLISHING THE
SHERIFF'S RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROJECT FUND AND
ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR PHASE 1 OF THE SHERIFF'S
RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROJECT (AB2013 -075)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN TO FINANCE A PORTION
OF THE COST OF REPLACING THE SHERIFF AND JAIL RECORDS
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AB2013 -076) (11:09:30 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Mann asked if this is a bridge loan.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated it is.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 1
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH VAN NESS
FELDMAN GORDONDERR, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, TO ASSIST IN
REPRESENTING WHATCOM COUNTY IN GROWTH MANAGEMENT HEARINGS
BOARD CASE NO. 11- 2 -0010C AND CASE NO. 12 -2 -0013 (AB2012 -422A)
(11:10 :15 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, answered questions.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the work was done before they
found out they weren't supposed to work on this, if the request was retroactive, what
happens if the Council doesn't approve this item, and how much of the $50,000 has been
spent.
Mann stated and there was discussion about the County wasting money on this and
choosing mediation instead. He won't vote for this or support spending any more money.
He understands Ms. Frakes position.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford (1)
Nays: Mann and Weimer (2)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR ONGOING
MAINTENANCE OF THE TWO SNOTEL SITES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000
(AB2013 -081) (11 :20 :09 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION REQUESTING STATE LEGISLATIVE ACTION AUTHORIZING THE
ADDITION OF A FOURTH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE'S POSITION FOR
WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2013 -082)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked and there
was discussion of how much in total this will cost the County.
The following people answered questions:
• Dave Reynolds, Superior Court Administration Director
• Jack Louws, County Executive
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 2
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• Charles Snyder, Superior Court Judge
• Dave McEachran, County Prosecutor
Mann stated and there was discussion of supporting this request because it's an
ongoing issue about on which the County has been working and lobbying for some time. He
supports the motion.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of where the money for funding this will
come from and whether the Council will have another opportunity to approve a fourth judge
if it approves this item.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of the sponsors of the bill that is before the
legislature and the necessity of a fourth judge.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL OF HEALTH CLERICAL ADDENDUM TO MASTER
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 12, 2013
(AB2013 -083) (11:33:48 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Wendy Wefer - Clinton, Administrative Services Department, answered questions.
Brenner asked for an explanation of what this is and whether the employees will get
salary increases from the move.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM COUNSELING &
PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRIMARY CARE, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $142,115 (AB2013 -084) (11:35 :34 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SPILLMAN TECHNOLOGIES,
INC. TO ACQUIRE, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AN ELECTRONIC RECORDS
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, JAIL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND MOBILE DATA
SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,719,299 (AB2013 -085) (11 :36 :00 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 3
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
FINKBONNER FLAGGING, LLC FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL
SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,310 (AB2013 -086) (11:38:01 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people answered questions:
• Jim Karcher, Public Works Department
• Jack Louws, County Executive
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether this service will be used when
County flaggers are busy.
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of contracting out this service and why they
have flaggers for preliminary engineering.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2013 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, SECOND
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $916,635 (AB2013 -074)
Mann moved to recommend approval without funding of $255,000 for the Public
Utility District (PUD) and other related water supply work.
(11:47:03 AM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report and stated Economic Development
Investment (EDI) funds should not be used for this. He recommends removing all items on
today's agenda regarding the PUD, including the contract. Give the Council and community
an opportunity to review the document from Dan Gibson. In early March, the Council could
have a meeting for an hour or two on the status of where the County is at regarding water
supply planning. Work with the administration, community, and Planning Unit members to
find a correct direction for water supply planning. He would like input from citizens in the
next few weeks on the document from Dan Gibson.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the source of the proposal to use the
EDI money, and what has changed. It's important for the Council to get good guidance
from the administration on the appropriate use of funds.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the motion includes funds to
the Health Department to update the Consolidated Water System Plan and water supply
plan.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 4
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Chris Brueske, Public Works Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
CONSENT AGENDA
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PUBLIC
UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 RELATED TO WATER SUPPLY PLANNING, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $367,500 (AB2013 -087)
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: None (0)
Nays: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Greg Brown stated he thanks the Executive and Council for tabling the contract to
the Public Utility District (PUD). Involve the Planning Unit.
Skip Richards, Planning Unit representative, stated he thanks the Executive and
Council for making the decision to alter course.
Ellen Baker stated they can't have an interlocal agreement of this kind and also the
Planning Unit. They aren't compatible. Don't use Economic Development Investment (EDI)
funds for the Consolidated Water System Plan.
Henry Bierlink, Farm Friends, stated he supports the Executive's decision to
reconsider this item, but don't get stuck. They must begin to implement the plan.
Marion Beddill, Planning Unit representative, stated she was aware of problems with
water quantity, distribution, and water right allocation management. Resolve those issues.
Resolve to manage water for the benefit of the public and to maintain the health and needs
of the community. Restrict or limit inefficient and unnecessary water waste. Resolve the
question of instream flow.
John Kirk stated funding is a fundamental issue. Shift the focus from grants to
homestead trust funds to renovate food production and bring forward new creativity. Their
biggest asset is the people, including the young citizens. Move away from a profession
venue to include the young people.
Lorraine Newman stated maintain an open public process for whatever they decide to
..
Kris Halterman stated she agrees with delaying the decision. Reinstate the Planning
Unit.
Chris Brueske, Public Works Department, submitted a handout (on file) and gave a
staff report on the Whatcom Integration Team (WIT). He stated and there was discussion
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 5
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about scheduling a full presentation with Geneva Consultant or staff. The value rankings
are related to potential grant applications.
(12:20 :00 PM)
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of the WIT as the County's local integrating
organization (LIO) for the Puget Sound Partnership, that he questions the formation of the
WIT, getting input on the formation of the WIT, and the potential risk from implementing
the action plan. He asked to receive information on these things before they're
implemented.
Kremen stated the ranking results gave no priority to rural living. He doesn't agree
with the product.
Crawford stated he agrees with Councilmember Kremen about disagreeing with the
results of the rank. He stated and there was discussion about the defining priorities in
Whatcom County to qualify for grants and not accepting grants given on the premise of
priorities that aren't the true priorities of the elected officials.
Brueske stated the WIT is advisory to the Joint Board, which will make the final
decision.
Crawford stated the Council wants to see the Planning Unit, which is an inclusive,
diverse group. Brueske stated a diverse group of individuals and agencies were invited to
participate in the WIT process. Staff attempted to create that diversity in the WIT.
Weimer referenced the comprehensive water resource integration project ( CWRIP),
which prioritized all water projects. He asked and there was discussion of whether the
County is still using that process. Brueske stated it is, and it is now known as the natural
resource spreadsheet. He hopes to develop an annual process similar to the six -year road
process using the natural resource spreadsheet.
Weimer asked if the WIT has seen the natural resource spreadsheet.
Erika Douglas, Public Works Department, stated CWRIP list projects are included in
the broad categories for the WIT program. The WIT is looking at recommendations to
review all the priorities in the region. The WIT haven't defined project detail, just looked at
general programs.
Weimer asked for a copy of the Lower Nooksack Strategy.
Brenner stated she attended the most recent WIT meeting. Most attendees were
from agencies. There weren't any representatives from the farming community. Don't rank
forestry low. The WIT can't rank public health high, yet also rank public safety low. She
asked for a complete list of all the people who were invited to participate in the WIT and for
a copy of the invitation.
Kremen stated strive to be as inclusive as possible. In reality, two entities on the
Joint Board are suing the other three entities. The purpose of the water resource inventory
area (WRIA) was to avert adjudication, which failed.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 6
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Mann stated a presentation on WIT is not necessary at this time. It's not a popular
group, and it is scheduled to sunset in June. He'd rather spend their limited time
elsewhere.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated he will do what is possible to make sure the
product resulting from the WIT process reflects community values and puts them into a
position to implement water supply and water quality projects as federal and state grants
become available. This is something the County must do to get the money. He's also
frustrated that they have to go through all these hoops to qualify for money, but they must
decide fundamentally whether or not the County wants local money that has gone to the
State and federal government to come back to the County. He appreciates everyone's
comments and will make sure more voices are heard as they finalize the work.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�omhatcomma.us
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/12/2013, Page 7