HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance January 15 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
January 15, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Member Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11 :07 :15 AM)
Present: Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: Ken Mann.
Also Present: Bill Knutzen and Barbara Brenner.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM COUNSELING AND
PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE JAIL, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $374,321 (AB2013 -034)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of the impressive rates and efforts being
made to handle these problems.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Weimer (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES FOR JUVENILE COURT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $94,930 (AB2013 -035) (11:09:47 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Weimer (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/15/2013, Page 1
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3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL LOAN AND GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF LYNDEN TO PROVIDE FUNDING FROM THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF LYNDEN'S WATER
TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,000,000 (AB2013 -036)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WILSON ENGINEERING, LLC
TO ASSIST WITH THE BIRCH BAY STORMWATER ASSET MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $96,747 (AB2013 -037)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of bank erosion issues and dealing with
existing structures.
(11:11:36 AM)
Kraig Olason, Public Works Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Weimer (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM, PORT OF
BELLINGHAM AND WHATCOM COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS (AB2013-
038)
Crawford asked and there was discussion of why the County is going to hire a
lobbyist.
(Clerk's Note: The Committee recessed for two minutes at 11:14 a.m.)
(11:15 :15 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report and answered questions. This is a
one -year trial agreement among the three entities. The person would represent all three
entities on their legislative objectives. He submitted and read from a handout (on file) on
the 2013 legislative objectives. He recommends approval.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of conflicting interests between the City
and the County and other existing lobbying efforts, if there is another method to provide a
stronger influence in Olympia, what the County will get from this expenditure, and whether
the contractor would interact with the County Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/15/2013, Page 2
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Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the City being the lead agency, language
in the agreement's purpose statement, and economic development funding from Olympia.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the contractors, if asked, will talk
to Olympia about issues that aren't on the objective list.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of the County getting help with reforming
Growth Management legislation or changing the membership of the Hearings Board, and
how the contractor isn't going to be able to address issues in which the County and City
have opposing views.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the Council can add items to
the objective list and if the County is efficiently using its membership in the Washington
State Association of Counties (WSAC).
Brenner stated and there was discussion of working with the local State legislators
instead of lobbyists. She doesn't support this item.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of conflicting positions on major issues,
such as the City and Port opposing the County's ability to use Economic Development
Investment (EDI) funds to construct the jail and other issues and of whether the City will
engage in other lobbying efforts.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether someone could singly represent
the interests of Whatcom County. He is divided, but will oppose the motion for now.
Louws stated he talked to the Council about his plan for this agreement during the
budget process. He will be disappointed if the Council decides now to not approve it.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether the budget discussion talked
about partnering with the other jurisdictions.
Weimer stated he will support the motion. He stated and there was discussion of the
value of spending $30,000 to have someone educate the County on what is happening.
Brenner stated the Council could send a letter to State officials about getting
information on issues.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of the amendment process in Olympia,
having a representative in Olympia full -time to keep an eye on what's happening, and
whether it's feasible for a few individuals can look out for the interests of all the jurisdictions
at the same time.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of what other entities the contractor has
contracts with. He stated he will reluctantly support the item for one year.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Weimer (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/15/2013, Page 3
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OTHER BUSINESS
(12 :04 :46 PM)
Crawford stated and there was discussion about transition to a new interlocal
agreement for emergency medical services (EMS), the bridge repair on Slater Road, and the
Council receiving a financial snapshot on ferry fare structure and funding in 2012.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:08 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, 1/15/2013, Page 4