HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance July 9 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
July 9, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11: 02:37 AM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen, Kathy Kershner, Sam Crawford.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE ON WHATCOM COUNTY'S SELF - INSURED MEDICAL PROGRAM
(AB2013 -017)
Karen Goens, Administrative Services Department, gave a staff report and
introduced Mr. Andrews.
Marty Andrews, Kibble and Prentice Executive Vice - President, described his company
and background and his role with Whatcom County. He described the County's self- funded
program, the renewal process, and impact to the County by the Affordable Care Act.
Mann asked and there was discussion of when the employees can choose their care
plan for 2014.
Brenner asked and there was discussion about the three options offered at the end of
2012 and whether Whatcom County can work with other counties that have better cost -
containment.
Mann asked and there was discussion of Whatcom County's costs compared with
other counties. Andrews stated costs are average to better than average historically.
Kremen asked and there was discussion about the employee participation rate in the
health retirement account.
Brenner asked for more information on the transparency tools.
2. WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE JACK LOUWS TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON
EMS CONTRACT PROGRESS (AB2013 -170) (11 :28 :05 AM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, submitted a handout (on file) and gave a staff report.
In general, the comments he received were to not reduce the number of medic units, not
burden the districts with the cost of dispatch, and alleviate the revenue problem by going to
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 1
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the voters to keep the system operating at the current level. His proposal of May 7, with
today's revised numbers, is the best the County can do with available revenue. He would
like direction from the Council about how they want to move forward with the various
proposals.
Knutzen asked for clarification on the existing system.
Louws described the four system proposals. He asked how the Council wants him to
proceed.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the 2005 plan and how long the sales tax
would fund the system; the existing reserves; conversations about paying dispatch fees,
and; the number of advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) calls.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion about efforts to consider cost savings in
administration and other areas and the loss of reimbursement revenue.
Kremen described the history of the existing system. He stated and there was
discussion of the escalating costs of the system. He's concerned about reducing the number
of units from four and a half units to four units.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the voters have to approve the
additional one -tenth of one percent sales tax. Louws stated the voters have to approve an
increase. Call volumes haven't escalated, but the federal revenue is decreased.
Rich Kittinger, Local 106 Secretary /Treasurer, stated the labor groups had a
productive dialog that looked forward. They have been uneasy about what will happen to
the system. He understands the realities of the system. From the perspective of labor,
they will err on the side of an ALS response. Consider the increased ALS response time to
the non -urban areas. Local 106 wants to be productive and look forward. They consider
District 7 part of the system at the ALS level. Local 106 commits to move forward with
them in a productive manner.
(12:05:50 PM)
Roger Christensen, Bellingham Fire Department Chief and Fire District 8, referenced
the plan vs. actual call volume comparisons in the handout and stated the total number of
ALS tickets shown on the blue line is a Medicare billing line. The ALS actual total shown on
the purple line is a more accurate line.
Ron Anderson, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Fire Chief, stated jurisdictions all
over are struggling with these issues. The majority of calls will be BLS calls. He described
the history of the dispatch fees. Don't make the districts pay the dispatch fees. In the past
three years, they've laid off two staff, lowered wages for all personnel, and reduced their
budget by 27 percent. He will have to cut a firefighter staff position if they have to pay the
dispatch fees. They assumed a larger EMS role by taking on the BLS transport. Because of
the lowering reimbursement rates, it's time to ask the taxpayers to fund an additional one -
tenth of one percent for the EMS system. The current proposal is a temporary solution.
The plan is eight years old and needs to be readdressed. Money can be saved in the current
EMS model, but only if they stay together.
Brenner asked the soonest a vote can be on the ballot. Louws stated it can be on
the general election ballot in November.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 2
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Debbie Adelstein, Auditor, stated the general election ballot deadline is August 6.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion about an option for 3.5 City of Bellingham
units and one full -time unit from District 7.
Mann stated he prefers to keep the number of units at 4.5 for a year or two while
they have money in the bank to do so.
Knutzen stated also explore potential cost savings in other ways. They must
prioritize the things that government must provide. This is one of those things.
Kershner stated look into whether it's fair to shift the dispatch fees to the districts.
She would like information for the past two years about how often all the units are
dispatched and whether someone has to wait longer because there are no available units.
She will probably want to work within the existing budget, but if they expect call volumes to
increase in the next few years, don't put a dent in the system and then have to recover
from that. A lot of competing projects are coming up on the ballot. Be careful about that.
Crawford asked for clarification of the Executive's proposal. He supports the
Executive's proposal as modified. He stated and there was discussion of motivation to
efficiencies. He won't support an increase in using general funds.
Brenner stated the Council works for the public, not for any unions. People must
understand the County is losing federal money. Think about putting it on the ballot.
Kremen stated continue with the four and a half units for one year. Next year, go
out to the voters for the one -tenth of one percent increase. If it doesn't pass, reduce the
level of service from four and a half to four units.
Weimer stated he has questions about dispatch revenues and peak calls versus trend
lines. He is leaning toward the emergency responders and putting it to the voters. Do it
next year, not this year.
Mann stated schedule in Committee of the Whole in two weeks.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KIBBLE & PRENTICE FOR
BENEFIT CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR THE SELF - INSURED MEDICAL
PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 IN 2014, $46,500 IN 2015, AND
$48,000 IN 2016 (AB2013 -193) (12:37 :23 PM)
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)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 3
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2. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT
BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION FOR EDI FUNDING (AB2013 -241) (12:38 :09
PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Rollin Harper, City of Nooksack, gave a staff report and stated this is a sewage
treatment plan upgrade.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the City of Everson will want half
of this and whether they anticipate funding from the State.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether this is a part of the County
comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) plan. Harper stated it is.
Mann stated he doesn't support these funds for city infrastructure projects. He
stated and there was discussion that infrastructure is a City responsibility, and that growth
must pay for itself.
Weimer stated he will vote against this because other communities use Clean Water
Act money on this type of project. Wait to see if the State will provide funding.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the State committed to fund the Bellingham
wastewater treatment plant, but reneged on its commitment. The funds are drying up. It's
unlikely Nooksack and Everson will get any funding.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford (1)
Nays: Mann and Weimer (2)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF CHECKS MORE THAN TWO
YEARS OLD FROM THE WHATCOM COUNTY ]AIL INMATE TRUST FUND
(AB2013 -242) (12 :48 :36 PM)
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)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF'S GUILD
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (AB2013 -243) (12 :48 :50 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 4
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3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR TRANSPORTATION AND HYGIENE PRODUCT
ASSISTANCE FOR DSHS MEDICAL CARE RECIPIENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$22,610, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $606,396
(AB2013 -244) (12:49:13 PM)
Crawford 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 AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH SOUND
MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION FOR THE CRISIS STABILIZATION BEDS
PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT
IN THE AMOUNT OF $974,811 (AB2013 -245) (12 :49 :39 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council and asked of the
advisory committees approved this item.
Center.
Gail de Hoog, Health Department, stated she doesn't know. It supports Rainbow
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 AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BERGERABAM,
INC. FOR ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING COORDINATION,
CATHODIC PROTECTION DESIGN, AND SEDIMENTATION POND DESIGN, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $38,117, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $201,955 (AB2013 -246) (12 :51 :12 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether this project is on the
transportation improvement plan.
2014.
James Lee, Public Works Department, stated it is. Construction is scheduled for
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the process of cathodic protection.
Mann stated he toured this bridge. He voted against the project in the past, but will
vote for it now.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 5
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6. RESOLUTION AMENDING CRP NO. 913001 AND APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY
EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
LOW BIDDER, GRANITE CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR HANNEGAN ROAD
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,629,380 (AB2013-
247) (12 :54:34 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked about left -
hand turn lanes on Smith Road onto Hannegan Road.
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated he's aware of the situation. Last time
he checked four years ago, the warrants weren't enough, but he will look again. They
would look during peak hours. Northwest Road and Slater Road is another intersection that
is close to meeting warrants.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether additional right -of -way would
be required to install turn lanes at Smith Road and Hannegan Road. The first level of
dealing with the Northwest Road is to install stop signs.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
REPAIR OF A 1998 FREIGHTLINER BASKET TRUCK BY THE SOLE SOURCE
PROVIDER, ALTEC, IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,423.42 (AB2013 -248) (1 :00 :09
PM)
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)
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DLR GROUP TO
INCLUDE SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES REQUIRED TO COMPLETE PREFERRED
SITE ANALYSIS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $491,902 (AB2013 -249) (1 :00 :32 PM)
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)
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. WHATCOM ROWING ASSOCIATION UPDATE AND FUNDING PROPOSAL FOR
NEW BOAT HOUSE (AB2013 -257)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 6
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OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ken Mann, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/9/2013, Page 7